1.

A CSTR reactor is used for treatment of 50 m3/d of wastewater with BODL of 10,000 mg/L
by methane formation. What hydraulic detention time will result in the maximum BODL
removal per day per unit volume of reactor? What is the resulting effluent soluble substrate
concentration? Assume Y = 0.04 mg VSS/mg BODL, KS = 200 mg BODL/L, b = 0.05/d
and 𝜇̂ = 0.32/d.

SOLUTION:

You will achieve the maximum removal per day per unit volume of reactor if you approach c to
infinity. Maximum BOD5 removed means very low soluble substrate (BOD5) concentration in the
effluent.

For c 
𝐾𝑠 𝑏
𝑆𝑠,𝑚𝑖𝑛 =
𝜇
̂−𝑏

200(0.05) 𝑚𝑔
𝑆𝑠,𝑚𝑖𝑛 = = 37.04
0.32 − 0.05 𝐿