Review of practical aspects for modelling of stabilization ponds using Computational Fluid Dynamics

Abstract

CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) is a numerical modelling tool for flow analysis, whose use in research and applications in stabilization ponds has been consolidated over the past few years. However, current literature presents a lack of review articles focusing on this particular application. Based on previous works in the literature, after adaptations, additions and updates, this review presents a new compilation of 28 publications focusing on the use of CFD in non-mechanized stabilization ponds (anaerobic, facultative, maturation and polishing). Emphasis is given to the main features of the models and methods used, as well as the main results and conclusions of these studies. After an introduction to the tool and a summary of the publications, a brief discussion is held on the key points of the modelling practices adopted, with the intention of identifying the main methods used, gaps, bottlenecks and trends, as well as to suggest good modelling practices when possible. It is therefore expected to contribute to the development and consolidation of the CFD technique in modelling of stabilization ponds and assist new researchers to identify possible starting points for future works.

Keywords:

• Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)
• good modelling practice (GMP)
• hydrodynamics
• modelling
• waste stabilization pond (WSP)

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

The authors would like to thank COPASA and the Brazilian agencies CAPES, CNPq and FAPEMIG for their support of the research. Also, this research was part of an international programme financed by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation for the project ‘Stimulating local innovation on sanitation for the urban poor in Sub-Saharan Africa and South-East Asia’ under the coordination of Unesco-IHE, Institute for Water Education, Delft, the Netherlands.