Rate models for a marine biological filter

An empirically based model is proposed for the kinetics of oxidation of ammonia and nitrite in a marine biological filter at low concentration. Assuming first order kinetics, the rate constants for Nitrosomonas and Nitrobacter respectively are correlated as functions of pH, temperature and dissolved oxygen. A series of experiments using a recirculating batch biological filter was conducted to validate the model over a limited range of conditions. Predictions of the model agree satisfactorily with literature values of the rate constants and show favourable comparison with the observed experimental data. © 1984.