Modeling and Interpreting Oxygen Transfer Data

Abstract

Recommendations for modeling, parameter estimation, and experimental design in unsteady state clean water aeration tests are presented. The basic model for both surface and subsurface aeration systems is the exponential form of the first order mass transfer equation. A nonlinear least squares regression procedure is recommended for estimating the oxygen transfer coefficient and equilibrium saturation concentration. Techniques for selecting the number and spacing of data values and for assessing model adequacy are suggested. Methods for applying clean water test results to field water conditions are described and an example problem is presented.