Steady state multiplicity of two-step biological conversion systems with general kinetics

This study analyses the steady state behaviour of biological conversion systems with general kinetics, in which two consecutive reactions are carried out by two groups of micro-organisms. The model considered is a realistic description of wastewater treatment processes. A step-wise procedure is followed to reveal the mechanisms affecting the occurrence of steady states in terms of the process input variables. It is clearly demonstrated how taking into account inhibition effects by simply including additional inhibition terms to the kinetic expressions, a common practice, influences the model’s long term behaviour. The overall steady state behaviour of the model has been summarized in easy-to-interpret operating diagrams, depicting the occurrence of steady states in terms of the reactor dilution rate and the influent substrate concentration, with well-defined boundaries between distinct operating regions. This knowledge is crucial for modelers as steady state multiplicity – in the sense that more than one steady state can be reached depending on the initial conditions – may remain undetected during simulation. The obtained results may also serve for experimental design and for model validation based on experimental findings.