Predicting settling performance of ANAMMOX granular sludge based on fractal dimensions.

The settling performance of ANAMMOX granular sludge determines the biomass retention in reactors, and finally determines the potential reaction capacity. In this paper, Stokes equation was modified by fractal dimensions to describe the settling performance of ANAMMOX granular sludge. A new method was developed to obtain fractal dimensions, and a fractal settling model was established for ANAMMOX granular sludge. The fractal settling model was excellent with only a small deviation of 0.8% from the experimental data. Assuming normal distribution of all Feret diameters, 88% experimental data fell into the 90% confidence interval of settling velocities. Further assuming logarithmic normal distribution, 95% experimental data fell into the 90% confidence interval. The fractal settling model is helpful for the prediction of settling velocities of granular sludge and the optimization of bioreactor performance.