A MULTIPARAMETER SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS OF A MODEL DESCRIBING THE FATE OF VOLATILE ORGANIC-COMPOUNDS IN TRICKLING FILTERS

A frequency array technique was employed to assess the impact of proce ss operating and design conditions, biofilm, and compound-specific pro perties on the fate of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in trickling filter processes. The objective of the study was to identify the range s of parameters over which model predictions of biodegradation, volati lization, and overall removal are particularly sensitive. The model wa s found to be most sensitive to liquid loading rates less than 20 m(3) /m(2)-d and gas loading rates less than 200 m(3)/m(2)-d. The model pre dictions indicate that an effective method for controlling VOC emissio ns is through control of trickling filter ventilation rates. Effluent recycle had only marginal impact on model predictions. Model predictio ns were most sensitive to biofilm thickness less than 1 x 10(-4) m, li quid-gas mass transfer coefficients less than 0.10 mid, Henry's law co efficients less than 0.10, and biodegradation rate coefficients less t han 20 m(3)/kg-d. When employing the model for predictive purposes, gr eater care should be taken in defining parameters for compounds that l ie within these ranges.