This paper presents a very useful software tool to design, simulate and optimise wastewater treatment plants. The program is called DESASS (DEsign and Simulation of Activated Sludge Systems) and has been developed by CALAGUA research group. The mathematical model implemented is the Biological Nutrient Removal Model No.1 (BNRM1) which allows simulating the most important physical, chemical and biological processes taking place in treatment plants. DESASS calculates the performance under steady or transient state of whole treatment schemes including primary settlers, volatile fatty acid generation systems by primary sludge fermentation, activated sludge systems for biological organic matter and nutrient removal, chemical phosphorus precipitation, secondary settlers, gravity thickeners and sludge digesters (aerobic and anaerobic). Biological conversions occurring in settlers and thickeners (primary sludge fermentation, denitrification) are also taken into account, i.e. they are considered as reactive elements. DESASS also includes pH calculation coupled to biological processes in all the elements, so pH effect on biological processes can be directly simulated. Furthermore, the effect of sidestreams on nutrient removal efficiency can be estimated because the performance of the whole plant can be simulated.<\/p>\n
Jos\u00e9 Ferrer (1)<\/sup>, Aurora Seco (2)<\/sup>, Joaqu\u00edn Serralta (1)<\/sup>, Josep Ribes (2)<\/sup>, J. Manga (3)<\/sup>, Enrique Asensi (1)<\/sup>, Jos\u00e9 Juan Morenilla (4)<\/sup>, Fernando Llavador (4)<\/sup>.<\/span>
\n(1)<\/sup> Dpto Ingenier\u00eda Hidr\u00e1ulica y Medio Ambiente. Universitat Polit\u00e8cnica de Val\u00e8ncia.<\/span>
\n(2)<\/sup> Departamento de Ingenier\u00eda Qu\u00edmica. Universitat de Val\u00e8ncia.<\/span>
\n(3)<\/sup> Departamento de Ingenier\u00eda Civil. Universidad del Norte, Colombia.
\n(4)<\/sup> Entidad P\u00fablica de Saneamiento de Aguas Residuales de la Comunidad Valenciana.<\/span><\/p>\n