Global Sensitivity Analysis of a Mathematical Model for AnMBR Systems Treating Municipal Wastewater

This study conducted a Global Sensitivity Analysis (GSA) of a mathematical model for simulating urban wastewater treatment in anaerobic membrane bioreactors (AnMBRs) at ambient temperatures. The Anaerobic Digestion Model ADM1 was modified and implemented in Matlab/Simulink, comparing three sensitivity analysis methods: One At a Time (OAT), Morris and Fourier Amplitude Sensitivity Test (FAST)..Experimental data from an AnMBR operating on municipal wastewater during summer and winter periods were used for model calibration and verification. The AnMBR had a 40L laboratory membrane bioreactor with a submerged flat sheet membrane and a 40L biogas collection tank. Experiments covered temperatures of 14-26°C and three hydraulic retention times (HRTs): 2 days, 1 day, and 12 hours. Performance evaluation included parameters such as COD effluent, total nitrogen effluent, biogas production, and volatile suspended solids concentrations. The primary aim was to compare the effectiveness of the OAT Morris and FAST sensitivity analysis methods in capturing the model's sensitivity to input parameters. This global sensitivity analysis enhances our understanding of the model's behavior and its applicability in designing and operating AnMBRs for urban wastewater treatment.