A Cellular Automata Model for the Sequencing Batch Reactor of Activated Sludge Processes

A cellular automata model for a sequencing batch reactor was constructed according to biological mechanism of activated sludge processes. Simulations were made with practical parameters. The results indicate that the model replicates complex evolvements of microorganism during reaction time, and well describes the removal of biochemical oxygen demand and the growth of activated sludge. The model, whose validity is proved by Eckenfelder formula, simulates activated sludge processes visually, and exhibits advantages of modeling wastewater treatment bases on cellular automata. It offers a basic method for modeling similar complex systems. At the same time, the model depicts the characteristics of complex system such as diversity, randomicity, indeterminacy and strong nonlinearity.