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Fixed-Film Equation with Recycle

Environmental Engineering · FE Reference Handbook section

Environmental Engineering
11 formulas
10 exam-style examples
~60 min
All Environmental Engineering lectures

Core formulas for this FE topic

Definitions, applicability, units, assumptions and worked examples for each relation.

Worked exam-style examples

The four ways this section is written on the real exam — thoughts first, then equations, then substitution.

Example 1
Fixed-Film Equation with Recycle — solve for effluent BOD — Fixed-Film Equation with Recycle

fixed-film equation with recycle for a recirculating trickling filter Given combined feed BOD (with recycle) (S_a) = 123.0 mg/L; treatability constant (k) = 0.0190; filter depth (D) = 1.0000 m; hydraulic loading (with recycle) (Q) = 3.5000 m^3/m^2/day; depth exponent (n) = 0.7300; flow exponent (m) = 0.6800, determine the effluent BOD (S_e) in mg/L.

Given

  • combinedfeedBOD(withrecycle)(Sa)=123.0mg/Lcombined feed BOD (with recycle) (S_a) = 123.0 mg/L
  • treatabilityconstant(k)=0.0190treatability constant (k) = 0.0190
  • filterdepth(D)=1.0000mfilter depth (D) = 1.0000 m
  • hydraulicloading(withrecycle)(Q)=3.5000m3/m2/dayhydraulic loading (with recycle) (Q) = 3.5000 m^3/m^2/day
  • depthexponent(n)=0.7300depth exponent (n) = 0.7300
  • flowexponent(m)=0.6800flow exponent (m) = 0.6800

Find

effluent BOD (S_e), in mg/L

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Fixed-Film Equation with Recycle.
  • Everything except S_e is given, so isolate S_e symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • The fixed-film equation with recycle accounts for recirculation in trickling filter effluent BOD prediction.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    SeSa=e−kDn/Qm\dfrac{S_e}{S_a} = e^{-k D^n / Q^m}
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange symbolically for S_e:

    Se=Sae−kDn/QmS_{e} = S_a e^{-kD^n/Q^m}
  3. Step 3 — List the givens: combined feed BOD (with recycle) (S_a) = 123.0 mg/L, treatability constant (k) = 0.0190, filter depth (D) = 1.0000 m, hydraulic loading (with recycle) (Q) = 3.5000 m^3/m^2/day, depth exponent (n) = 0.7300, flow exponent (m) = 0.6800.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values:

    Se=Sae−k1.00000.7300/3.50000.6800S_{e} = S_a e^{-k1.0000^0.7300/3.5000^0.6800}
  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    Se=122.0 mg/LS_{e} = 122.0\ \text{mg/L}
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning S_e = 122.0 mg/L to

    SeSa=e−kDn/Qm\dfrac{S_e}{S_a} = e^{-k D^n / Q^m}

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
Se=122.0 mg/LS_{e} = 122.0\ \text{mg/L}

Why the other options are there

  • 244.0 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 61.0035 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 134.2 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Fixed-Film Equation with Recycle (NRC formula)

Example 2
Fixed-Film Equation with Recycle — solve for combined feed BOD (with recycle) — Fixed-Film Equation with Recycle (2)

trickling filter fixed-film equation with recycle around the filter Given treatability constant (k) = 0.0270; filter depth (D) = 1.0000 m; hydraulic loading (with recycle) (Q) = 4.5000 m^3/m^2/day; depth exponent (n) = 0.8800; flow exponent (m) = 0.6200; effluent BOD (S_e) = 33.5000 mg/L, determine the combined feed BOD (with recycle) (S_a) in mg/L.

Given

  • treatabilityconstant(k)=0.0270treatability constant (k) = 0.0270
  • filterdepth(D)=1.0000mfilter depth (D) = 1.0000 m
  • hydraulicloading(withrecycle)(Q)=4.5000m3/m2/dayhydraulic loading (with recycle) (Q) = 4.5000 m^3/m^2/day
  • depthexponent(n)=0.8800depth exponent (n) = 0.8800
  • flowexponent(m)=0.6200flow exponent (m) = 0.6200
  • effluentBOD(Se)=33.5000mg/Leffluent BOD (S_e) = 33.5000 mg/L

Find

combined feed BOD (with recycle) (S_a), in mg/L

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Fixed-Film Equation with Recycle.
  • Everything except S_a is given, so isolate S_a symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • The fixed-film equation with recycle accounts for recirculation in trickling filter effluent BOD prediction.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    SeSa=e−kDn/Qm\dfrac{S_e}{S_a} = e^{-k D^n / Q^m}
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange symbolically for S_a:

    Sa=See−kDn/QmS_{a} = \dfrac{S_e}{e^{-kD^n/Q^m}}
  3. Step 3 — List the givens: treatability constant (k) = 0.0270, filter depth (D) = 1.0000 m, hydraulic loading (with recycle) (Q) = 4.5000 m^3/m^2/day, depth exponent (n) = 0.8800, flow exponent (m) = 0.6200, effluent BOD (S_e) = 33.5000 mg/L.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values:

    Sa=See−k1.00000.8800/4.50000.6200S_{a} = \dfrac{S_e}{e^{-k1.0000^0.8800/4.5000^0.6200}}
  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    Sa=33.8579 mg/LS_{a} = 33.8579\ \text{mg/L}
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning S_a = 33.8579 mg/L to

    SeSa=e−kDn/Qm\dfrac{S_e}{S_a} = e^{-k D^n / Q^m}

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
Sa=33.8579 mg/LS_{a} = 33.8579\ \text{mg/L}

Why the other options are there

  • 67.7157 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 16.9289 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 37.2437 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Fixed-Film Equation with Recycle (NRC formula)

Example 3
Fixed-Film Equation with Recycle — solve for treatability constant — Fixed-Film Equation with Recycle (3)

fixed-film equation with recycle design of a two-stage filter Given combined feed BOD (with recycle) (S_a) = 178.0 mg/L; filter depth (D) = 1.8000 m; hydraulic loading (with recycle) (Q) = 50.0000 m^3/m^2/day; depth exponent (n) = 0.7600; flow exponent (m) = 0.5800; effluent BOD (S_e) = 148.5 mg/L, determine the treatability constant (k).

Given

  • combinedfeedBOD(withrecycle)(Sa)=178.0mg/Lcombined feed BOD (with recycle) (S_a) = 178.0 mg/L
  • filterdepth(D)=1.8000mfilter depth (D) = 1.8000 m
  • hydraulicloading(withrecycle)(Q)=50.0000m3/m2/dayhydraulic loading (with recycle) (Q) = 50.0000 m^3/m^2/day
  • depthexponent(n)=0.7600depth exponent (n) = 0.7600
  • flowexponent(m)=0.5800flow exponent (m) = 0.5800
  • effluentBOD(Se)=148.5mg/Leffluent BOD (S_e) = 148.5 mg/L

Find

treatability constant (k)

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Fixed-Film Equation with Recycle.
  • Everything except k is given, so isolate k symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • The fixed-film equation with recycle accounts for recirculation in trickling filter effluent BOD prediction.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    SeSa=e−kDn/Qm\dfrac{S_e}{S_a} = e^{-k D^n / Q^m}
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange symbolically for k:

    k=−ln⁡(SeSa)QmDnk = -\ln\left(\dfrac{S_e}{S_a}\right)\dfrac{Q^m}{D^n}
  3. Step 3 — List the givens: combined feed BOD (with recycle) (S_a) = 178.0 mg/L, filter depth (D) = 1.8000 m, hydraulic loading (with recycle) (Q) = 50.0000 m^3/m^2/day, depth exponent (n) = 0.7600, flow exponent (m) = 0.5800, effluent BOD (S_e) = 148.5 mg/L.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values:

    k=−\l0.7600(SeSa)50.00000.58001.80000.7600k = -\l0.7600\left(\dfrac{S_e}{S_a}\right)\dfrac{50.0000^0.5800}{1.8000^0.7600}
  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    k=1.1209k = 1.1209
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning k = 1.1209 to

    SeSa=e−kDn/Qm\dfrac{S_e}{S_a} = e^{-k D^n / Q^m}

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
k=1.1209k = 1.1209

Why the other options are there

  • 2.2417 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 0.5604 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 1.2329 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Fixed-Film Equation with Recycle (NRC formula)

Example 4
Fixed-Film Equation with Recycle — solve for effluent BOD (case 2) — Fixed-Film Equation with Recycle (4)

fixed-film equation with recycle for a recirculating trickling filter Given combined feed BOD (with recycle) (S_a) = 155.0 mg/L; treatability constant (k) = 0.0850; filter depth (D) = 2.1000 m; hydraulic loading (with recycle) (Q) = 46.0000 m^3/m^2/day; depth exponent (n) = 0.6800; flow exponent (m) = 0.6100, determine the effluent BOD (S_e) in mg/L.

Given

  • combinedfeedBOD(withrecycle)(Sa)=155.0mg/Lcombined feed BOD (with recycle) (S_a) = 155.0 mg/L
  • treatabilityconstant(k)=0.0850treatability constant (k) = 0.0850
  • filterdepth(D)=2.1000mfilter depth (D) = 2.1000 m
  • hydraulicloading(withrecycle)(Q)=46.0000m3/m2/dayhydraulic loading (with recycle) (Q) = 46.0000 m^3/m^2/day
  • depthexponent(n)=0.6800depth exponent (n) = 0.6800
  • flowexponent(m)=0.6100flow exponent (m) = 0.6100

Find

effluent BOD (S_e), in mg/L

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Fixed-Film Equation with Recycle.
  • Everything except S_e is given, so isolate S_e symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • The fixed-film equation with recycle accounts for recirculation in trickling filter effluent BOD prediction.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    SeSa=e−kDn/Qm\dfrac{S_e}{S_a} = e^{-k D^n / Q^m}
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange symbolically for S_e:

    Se=Sae−kDn/QmS_{e} = S_a e^{-kD^n/Q^m}
  3. Step 3 — List the givens: combined feed BOD (with recycle) (S_a) = 155.0 mg/L, treatability constant (k) = 0.0850, filter depth (D) = 2.1000 m, hydraulic loading (with recycle) (Q) = 46.0000 m^3/m^2/day, depth exponent (n) = 0.6800, flow exponent (m) = 0.6100.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values:

    Se=Sae−k2.10000.6800/46.00000.6100S_{e} = S_a e^{-k2.1000^0.6800/46.0000^0.6100}
  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    Se=152.9 mg/LS_{e} = 152.9\ \text{mg/L}
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning S_e = 152.9 mg/L to

    SeSa=e−kDn/Qm\dfrac{S_e}{S_a} = e^{-k D^n / Q^m}

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
Se=152.9 mg/LS_{e} = 152.9\ \text{mg/L}

Why the other options are there

  • 305.8 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 76.4514 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 168.2 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Fixed-Film Equation with Recycle (NRC formula)

Example 5
Fixed-Film Equation with Recycle — solve for combined feed BOD (with recycle) (case 2) — Fixed-Film Equation with Recycle (5)

trickling filter fixed-film equation with recycle around the filter Given treatability constant (k) = 0.0930; filter depth (D) = 2.9000 m; hydraulic loading (with recycle) (Q) = 7.0000 m^3/m^2/day; depth exponent (n) = 0.7600; flow exponent (m) = 0.5900; effluent BOD (S_e) = 23.5000 mg/L, determine the combined feed BOD (with recycle) (S_a) in mg/L.

Given

  • treatabilityconstant(k)=0.0930treatability constant (k) = 0.0930
  • filterdepth(D)=2.9000mfilter depth (D) = 2.9000 m
  • hydraulicloading(withrecycle)(Q)=7.0000m3/m2/dayhydraulic loading (with recycle) (Q) = 7.0000 m^3/m^2/day
  • depthexponent(n)=0.7600depth exponent (n) = 0.7600
  • flowexponent(m)=0.5900flow exponent (m) = 0.5900
  • effluentBOD(Se)=23.5000mg/Leffluent BOD (S_e) = 23.5000 mg/L

Find

combined feed BOD (with recycle) (S_a), in mg/L

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Fixed-Film Equation with Recycle.
  • Everything except S_a is given, so isolate S_a symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • The fixed-film equation with recycle accounts for recirculation in trickling filter effluent BOD prediction.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    SeSa=e−kDn/Qm\dfrac{S_e}{S_a} = e^{-k D^n / Q^m}
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange symbolically for S_a:

    Sa=See−kDn/QmS_{a} = \dfrac{S_e}{e^{-kD^n/Q^m}}
  3. Step 3 — List the givens: treatability constant (k) = 0.0930, filter depth (D) = 2.9000 m, hydraulic loading (with recycle) (Q) = 7.0000 m^3/m^2/day, depth exponent (n) = 0.7600, flow exponent (m) = 0.5900, effluent BOD (S_e) = 23.5000 mg/L.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values:

    Sa=See−k2.90000.7600/7.00000.5900S_{a} = \dfrac{S_e}{e^{-k2.9000^0.7600/7.0000^0.5900}}
  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    Sa=25.1100 mg/LS_{a} = 25.1100\ \text{mg/L}
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning S_a = 25.1100 mg/L to

    SeSa=e−kDn/Qm\dfrac{S_e}{S_a} = e^{-k D^n / Q^m}

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
Sa=25.1100 mg/LS_{a} = 25.1100\ \text{mg/L}

Why the other options are there

  • 50.2201 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 12.5550 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 27.6210 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Fixed-Film Equation with Recycle (NRC formula)

Example 6
Fixed-Film Equation with Recycle — solve for treatability constant (case 2) — Fixed-Film Equation with Recycle (6)

fixed-film equation with recycle design of a two-stage filter Given combined feed BOD (with recycle) (S_a) = 235.0 mg/L; filter depth (D) = 2.0000 m; hydraulic loading (with recycle) (Q) = 41.0000 m^3/m^2/day; depth exponent (n) = 0.7100; flow exponent (m) = 0.6800; effluent BOD (S_e) = 206.0 mg/L, determine the treatability constant (k).

Given

  • combinedfeedBOD(withrecycle)(Sa)=235.0mg/Lcombined feed BOD (with recycle) (S_a) = 235.0 mg/L
  • filterdepth(D)=2.0000mfilter depth (D) = 2.0000 m
  • hydraulicloading(withrecycle)(Q)=41.0000m3/m2/dayhydraulic loading (with recycle) (Q) = 41.0000 m^3/m^2/day
  • depthexponent(n)=0.7100depth exponent (n) = 0.7100
  • flowexponent(m)=0.6800flow exponent (m) = 0.6800
  • effluentBOD(Se)=206.0mg/Leffluent BOD (S_e) = 206.0 mg/L

Find

treatability constant (k)

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Fixed-Film Equation with Recycle.
  • Everything except k is given, so isolate k symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • The fixed-film equation with recycle accounts for recirculation in trickling filter effluent BOD prediction.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    SeSa=e−kDn/Qm\dfrac{S_e}{S_a} = e^{-k D^n / Q^m}
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange symbolically for k:

    k=−ln⁡(SeSa)QmDnk = -\ln\left(\dfrac{S_e}{S_a}\right)\dfrac{Q^m}{D^n}
  3. Step 3 — List the givens: combined feed BOD (with recycle) (S_a) = 235.0 mg/L, filter depth (D) = 2.0000 m, hydraulic loading (with recycle) (Q) = 41.0000 m^3/m^2/day, depth exponent (n) = 0.7100, flow exponent (m) = 0.6800, effluent BOD (S_e) = 206.0 mg/L.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values:

    k=−\l0.7100(SeSa)41.00000.68002.00000.7100k = -\l0.7100\left(\dfrac{S_e}{S_a}\right)\dfrac{41.0000^0.6800}{2.0000^0.7100}
  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    k=1.0060k = 1.0060
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning k = 1.0060 to

    SeSa=e−kDn/Qm\dfrac{S_e}{S_a} = e^{-k D^n / Q^m}

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
k=1.0060k = 1.0060

Why the other options are there

  • 2.0119 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 0.5030 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 1.1065 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Fixed-Film Equation with Recycle (NRC formula)

Example 7
Fixed-Film Equation with Recycle — solve for effluent BOD (case 3) — Fixed-Film Equation with Recycle (7)

fixed-film equation with recycle for a recirculating trickling filter Given combined feed BOD (with recycle) (S_a) = 268.0 mg/L; treatability constant (k) = 0.0290; filter depth (D) = 1.0000 m; hydraulic loading (with recycle) (Q) = 42.5000 m^3/m^2/day; depth exponent (n) = 0.7900; flow exponent (m) = 0.4700, determine the effluent BOD (S_e) in mg/L.

Given

  • combinedfeedBOD(withrecycle)(Sa)=268.0mg/Lcombined feed BOD (with recycle) (S_a) = 268.0 mg/L
  • treatabilityconstant(k)=0.0290treatability constant (k) = 0.0290
  • filterdepth(D)=1.0000mfilter depth (D) = 1.0000 m
  • hydraulicloading(withrecycle)(Q)=42.5000m3/m2/dayhydraulic loading (with recycle) (Q) = 42.5000 m^3/m^2/day
  • depthexponent(n)=0.7900depth exponent (n) = 0.7900
  • flowexponent(m)=0.4700flow exponent (m) = 0.4700

Find

effluent BOD (S_e), in mg/L

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Fixed-Film Equation with Recycle.
  • Everything except S_e is given, so isolate S_e symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • The fixed-film equation with recycle accounts for recirculation in trickling filter effluent BOD prediction.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    SeSa=e−kDn/Qm\dfrac{S_e}{S_a} = e^{-k D^n / Q^m}
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange symbolically for S_e:

    Se=Sae−kDn/QmS_{e} = S_a e^{-kD^n/Q^m}
  3. Step 3 — List the givens: combined feed BOD (with recycle) (S_a) = 268.0 mg/L, treatability constant (k) = 0.0290, filter depth (D) = 1.0000 m, hydraulic loading (with recycle) (Q) = 42.5000 m^3/m^2/day, depth exponent (n) = 0.7900, flow exponent (m) = 0.4700.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values:

    Se=Sae−k1.00000.7900/42.50000.4700S_{e} = S_a e^{-k1.0000^0.7900/42.5000^0.4700}
  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    Se=266.7 mg/LS_{e} = 266.7\ \text{mg/L}
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning S_e = 266.7 mg/L to

    SeSa=e−kDn/Qm\dfrac{S_e}{S_a} = e^{-k D^n / Q^m}

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
Se=266.7 mg/LS_{e} = 266.7\ \text{mg/L}

Why the other options are there

  • 533.3 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 133.3 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 293.3 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Fixed-Film Equation with Recycle (NRC formula)

Example 8
Fixed-Film Equation with Recycle — solve for combined feed BOD (with recycle) (case 3) — Fixed-Film Equation with Recycle (8)

trickling filter fixed-film equation with recycle around the filter Given treatability constant (k) = 0.0940; filter depth (D) = 1.9000 m; hydraulic loading (with recycle) (Q) = 48.5000 m^3/m^2/day; depth exponent (n) = 0.8800; flow exponent (m) = 0.4900; effluent BOD (S_e) = 70.5000 mg/L, determine the combined feed BOD (with recycle) (S_a) in mg/L.

Given

  • treatabilityconstant(k)=0.0940treatability constant (k) = 0.0940
  • filterdepth(D)=1.9000mfilter depth (D) = 1.9000 m
  • hydraulicloading(withrecycle)(Q)=48.5000m3/m2/dayhydraulic loading (with recycle) (Q) = 48.5000 m^3/m^2/day
  • depthexponent(n)=0.8800depth exponent (n) = 0.8800
  • flowexponent(m)=0.4900flow exponent (m) = 0.4900
  • effluentBOD(Se)=70.5000mg/Leffluent BOD (S_e) = 70.5000 mg/L

Find

combined feed BOD (with recycle) (S_a), in mg/L

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Fixed-Film Equation with Recycle.
  • Everything except S_a is given, so isolate S_a symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • The fixed-film equation with recycle accounts for recirculation in trickling filter effluent BOD prediction.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    SeSa=e−kDn/Qm\dfrac{S_e}{S_a} = e^{-k D^n / Q^m}
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange symbolically for S_a:

    Sa=See−kDn/QmS_{a} = \dfrac{S_e}{e^{-kD^n/Q^m}}
  3. Step 3 — List the givens: treatability constant (k) = 0.0940, filter depth (D) = 1.9000 m, hydraulic loading (with recycle) (Q) = 48.5000 m^3/m^2/day, depth exponent (n) = 0.8800, flow exponent (m) = 0.4900, effluent BOD (S_e) = 70.5000 mg/L.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values:

    Sa=See−k1.90000.8800/48.50000.4900S_{a} = \dfrac{S_e}{e^{-k1.9000^0.8800/48.5000^0.4900}}
  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    Sa=72.2619 mg/LS_{a} = 72.2619\ \text{mg/L}
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning S_a = 72.2619 mg/L to

    SeSa=e−kDn/Qm\dfrac{S_e}{S_a} = e^{-k D^n / Q^m}

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
Sa=72.2619 mg/LS_{a} = 72.2619\ \text{mg/L}

Why the other options are there

  • 144.5 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 36.1309 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 79.4881 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Fixed-Film Equation with Recycle (NRC formula)

Example 9
Fixed-Film Equation with Recycle — solve for treatability constant (case 3) — Fixed-Film Equation with Recycle (9)

fixed-film equation with recycle design of a two-stage filter Given combined feed BOD (with recycle) (S_a) = 203.0 mg/L; filter depth (D) = 2.3000 m; hydraulic loading (with recycle) (Q) = 43.5000 m^3/m^2/day; depth exponent (n) = 0.6900; flow exponent (m) = 0.6200; effluent BOD (S_e) = 146.5 mg/L, determine the treatability constant (k).

Given

  • combinedfeedBOD(withrecycle)(Sa)=203.0mg/Lcombined feed BOD (with recycle) (S_a) = 203.0 mg/L
  • filterdepth(D)=2.3000mfilter depth (D) = 2.3000 m
  • hydraulicloading(withrecycle)(Q)=43.5000m3/m2/dayhydraulic loading (with recycle) (Q) = 43.5000 m^3/m^2/day
  • depthexponent(n)=0.6900depth exponent (n) = 0.6900
  • flowexponent(m)=0.6200flow exponent (m) = 0.6200
  • effluentBOD(Se)=146.5mg/Leffluent BOD (S_e) = 146.5 mg/L

Find

treatability constant (k)

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Fixed-Film Equation with Recycle.
  • Everything except k is given, so isolate k symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • The fixed-film equation with recycle accounts for recirculation in trickling filter effluent BOD prediction.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    SeSa=e−kDn/Qm\dfrac{S_e}{S_a} = e^{-k D^n / Q^m}
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange symbolically for k:

    k=−ln⁡(SeSa)QmDnk = -\ln\left(\dfrac{S_e}{S_a}\right)\dfrac{Q^m}{D^n}
  3. Step 3 — List the givens: combined feed BOD (with recycle) (S_a) = 203.0 mg/L, filter depth (D) = 2.3000 m, hydraulic loading (with recycle) (Q) = 43.5000 m^3/m^2/day, depth exponent (n) = 0.6900, flow exponent (m) = 0.6200, effluent BOD (S_e) = 146.5 mg/L.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values:

    k=−\l0.6900(SeSa)43.50000.62002.30000.6900k = -\l0.6900\left(\dfrac{S_e}{S_a}\right)\dfrac{43.5000^0.6200}{2.3000^0.6900}
  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    k=1.9043k = 1.9043
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning k = 1.9043 to

    SeSa=e−kDn/Qm\dfrac{S_e}{S_a} = e^{-k D^n / Q^m}

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
k=1.9043k = 1.9043

Why the other options are there

  • 3.8085 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 0.9521 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 2.0947 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Fixed-Film Equation with Recycle (NRC formula)

Example 10
Fixed-Film Equation with Recycle — solve for effluent BOD (case 4) — Fixed-Film Equation with Recycle (10)

fixed-film equation with recycle for a recirculating trickling filter Given combined feed BOD (with recycle) (S_a) = 96.0000 mg/L; treatability constant (k) = 0.0260; filter depth (D) = 2.3000 m; hydraulic loading (with recycle) (Q) = 17.5000 m^3/m^2/day; depth exponent (n) = 0.8700; flow exponent (m) = 0.4100, determine the effluent BOD (S_e) in mg/L.

Given

  • combinedfeedBOD(withrecycle)(Sa)=96.0000mg/Lcombined feed BOD (with recycle) (S_a) = 96.0000 mg/L
  • treatabilityconstant(k)=0.0260treatability constant (k) = 0.0260
  • filterdepth(D)=2.3000mfilter depth (D) = 2.3000 m
  • hydraulicloading(withrecycle)(Q)=17.5000m3/m2/dayhydraulic loading (with recycle) (Q) = 17.5000 m^3/m^2/day
  • depthexponent(n)=0.8700depth exponent (n) = 0.8700
  • flowexponent(m)=0.4100flow exponent (m) = 0.4100

Find

effluent BOD (S_e), in mg/L

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Fixed-Film Equation with Recycle.
  • Everything except S_e is given, so isolate S_e symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • The fixed-film equation with recycle accounts for recirculation in trickling filter effluent BOD prediction.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    SeSa=e−kDn/Qm\dfrac{S_e}{S_a} = e^{-k D^n / Q^m}
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange symbolically for S_e:

    Se=Sae−kDn/QmS_{e} = S_a e^{-kD^n/Q^m}
  3. Step 3 — List the givens: combined feed BOD (with recycle) (S_a) = 96.0000 mg/L, treatability constant (k) = 0.0260, filter depth (D) = 2.3000 m, hydraulic loading (with recycle) (Q) = 17.5000 m^3/m^2/day, depth exponent (n) = 0.8700, flow exponent (m) = 0.4100.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values:

    Se=Sae−k2.30000.8700/17.50000.4100S_{e} = S_a e^{-k2.3000^0.8700/17.5000^0.4100}
  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    Se=94.4198 mg/LS_{e} = 94.4198\ \text{mg/L}
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning S_e = 94.4198 mg/L to

    SeSa=e−kDn/Qm\dfrac{S_e}{S_a} = e^{-k D^n / Q^m}

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
Se=94.4198 mg/LS_{e} = 94.4198\ \text{mg/L}

Why the other options are there

  • 188.8 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 47.2099 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 103.9 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Fixed-Film Equation with Recycle (NRC formula)

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