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Fixed-Film Equation without Recycle

Environmental Engineering · FE Reference Handbook section

Environmental Engineering
1 formulas
10 exam-style examples
~47 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 without Recycle — solve for effluent BOD — Fixed-Film Equation without Recycle

fixed-film trickling filter equation without recycle for effluent BOD Given influent BOD (S_0) = 307.0 mg/L; treatability constant (k) = 0.0160; filter depth (D) = 1.2000 m; hydraulic loading (Q) = 14.5000 m^3/m^2/day; depth exponent (n) = 0.7800; flow exponent (m) = 0.6500, determine the effluent BOD (S_e) in mg/L.

Given

  • influentBOD(S0)=307.0mg/Linfluent BOD (S_0) = 307.0 mg/L
  • treatabilityconstant(k)=0.0160treatability constant (k) = 0.0160
  • filterdepth(D)=1.2000mfilter depth (D) = 1.2000 m
  • hydraulicloading(Q)=14.5000m3/m2/dayhydraulic loading (Q) = 14.5000 m^3/m^2/day
  • depthexponent(n)=0.7800depth exponent (n) = 0.7800
  • flowexponent(m)=0.6500flow exponent (m) = 0.6500

Find

effluent BOD (S_e), in mg/L

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Fixed-Film Equation without 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 without recycle predicts trickling filter effluent BOD as a function of depth and hydraulic loading.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    SeS0=e−kDn/Qm\dfrac{S_e}{S_0} = e^{-k D^n / Q^m}
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange symbolically for S_e:

    Se=S0e−kDn/QmS_{e} = S_0 e^{-kD^n/Q^m}
  3. Step 3 — List the givens: influent BOD (S_0) = 307.0 mg/L, treatability constant (k) = 0.0160, filter depth (D) = 1.2000 m, hydraulic loading (Q) = 14.5000 m^3/m^2/day, depth exponent (n) = 0.7800, flow exponent (m) = 0.6500.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values:

    Se=S0e−k1.20000.7800/14.50000.6500S_{e} = S_0 e^{-k1.2000^0.7800/14.5000^0.6500}
  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    Se=306.0 mg/LS_{e} = 306.0\ \text{mg/L}
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning S_e = 306.0 mg/L to

    SeS0=e−kDn/Qm\dfrac{S_e}{S_0} = e^{-k D^n / Q^m}

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

Answer:
Se=306.0 mg/LS_{e} = 306.0\ \text{mg/L}

Why the other options are there

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

Reference: FE Handbook — Fixed-Film Equation without Recycle (NRC formula)

Example 2
Fixed-Film Equation without Recycle — solve for influent BOD — Fixed-Film Equation without Recycle (2)

fixed-film equation without recycle applied to a single-stage filter Given treatability constant (k) = 0.0390; filter depth (D) = 1.1000 m; hydraulic loading (Q) = 38.5000 m^3/m^2/day; depth exponent (n) = 0.6500; flow exponent (m) = 0.5500; effluent BOD (S_e) = 19.0000 mg/L, determine the influent BOD (S_0) in mg/L.

Given

  • treatabilityconstant(k)=0.0390treatability constant (k) = 0.0390
  • filterdepth(D)=1.1000mfilter depth (D) = 1.1000 m
  • hydraulicloading(Q)=38.5000m3/m2/dayhydraulic loading (Q) = 38.5000 m^3/m^2/day
  • depthexponent(n)=0.6500depth exponent (n) = 0.6500
  • flowexponent(m)=0.5500flow exponent (m) = 0.5500
  • effluentBOD(Se)=19.0000mg/Leffluent BOD (S_e) = 19.0000 mg/L

Find

influent BOD (S_0), in mg/L

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Fixed-Film Equation without Recycle.
  • Everything except S_0 is given, so isolate S_0 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 without recycle predicts trickling filter effluent BOD as a function of depth and hydraulic loading.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    SeS0=e−kDn/Qm\dfrac{S_e}{S_0} = e^{-k D^n / Q^m}
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange symbolically for S_0:

    S0=See−kDn/QmS_{0} = \dfrac{S_e}{e^{-kD^n/Q^m}}
  3. Step 3 — List the givens: treatability constant (k) = 0.0390, filter depth (D) = 1.1000 m, hydraulic loading (Q) = 38.5000 m^3/m^2/day, depth exponent (n) = 0.6500, flow exponent (m) = 0.5500, effluent BOD (S_e) = 19.0000 mg/L.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values:

    S0=See−k1.10000.6500/38.50000.5500S_{0} = \dfrac{S_e}{e^{-k1.1000^0.6500/38.5000^0.5500}}
  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    S0=19.1062 mg/LS_{0} = 19.1062\ \text{mg/L}
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning S_0 = 19.1062 mg/L to

    SeS0=e−kDn/Qm\dfrac{S_e}{S_0} = e^{-k D^n / Q^m}

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

Answer:
S0=19.1062 mg/LS_{0} = 19.1062\ \text{mg/L}

Why the other options are there

  • 38.2123 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 9.5531 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 21.0168 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Fixed-Film Equation without Recycle (NRC formula)

Example 3
Fixed-Film Equation without Recycle — solve for treatability constant — Fixed-Film Equation without Recycle (3)

trickling filter fixed-film equation without recycle design check Given influent BOD (S_0) = 351.0 mg/L; filter depth (D) = 2.8000 m; hydraulic loading (Q) = 14.5000 m^3/m^2/day; depth exponent (n) = 0.8500; flow exponent (m) = 0.4700; effluent BOD (S_e) = 183.5 mg/L, determine the treatability constant (k).

Given

  • influentBOD(S0)=351.0mg/Linfluent BOD (S_0) = 351.0 mg/L
  • filterdepth(D)=2.8000mfilter depth (D) = 2.8000 m
  • hydraulicloading(Q)=14.5000m3/m2/dayhydraulic loading (Q) = 14.5000 m^3/m^2/day
  • depthexponent(n)=0.8500depth exponent (n) = 0.8500
  • flowexponent(m)=0.4700flow exponent (m) = 0.4700
  • effluentBOD(Se)=183.5mg/Leffluent BOD (S_e) = 183.5 mg/L

Find

treatability constant (k)

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Fixed-Film Equation without 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 without recycle predicts trickling filter effluent BOD as a function of depth and hydraulic loading.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    SeS0=e−kDn/Qm\dfrac{S_e}{S_0} = e^{-k D^n / Q^m}
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange symbolically for k:

    k=−ln⁡(SeS0)QmDnk = -\ln\left(\dfrac{S_e}{S_0}\right)\dfrac{Q^m}{D^n}
  3. Step 3 — List the givens: influent BOD (S_0) = 351.0 mg/L, filter depth (D) = 2.8000 m, hydraulic loading (Q) = 14.5000 m^3/m^2/day, depth exponent (n) = 0.8500, flow exponent (m) = 0.4700, effluent BOD (S_e) = 183.5 mg/L.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values:

    k=−\l0.8500(SeS0)14.50000.47002.80000.8500k = -\l0.8500\left(\dfrac{S_e}{S_0}\right)\dfrac{14.5000^0.4700}{2.8000^0.8500}
  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    k=0.9500k = 0.9500
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning k = 0.9500 to

    SeS0=e−kDn/Qm\dfrac{S_e}{S_0} = e^{-k D^n / Q^m}

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

Answer:
k=0.9500k = 0.9500

Why the other options are there

  • 1.9000 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 0.4750 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 1.0450 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Fixed-Film Equation without Recycle (NRC formula)

Example 4
Fixed-Film Equation without Recycle — solve for effluent BOD (case 2) — Fixed-Film Equation without Recycle (4)

fixed-film trickling filter equation without recycle for effluent BOD Given influent BOD (S_0) = 187.0 mg/L; treatability constant (k) = 0.0990; filter depth (D) = 2.5000 m; hydraulic loading (Q) = 3.5000 m^3/m^2/day; depth exponent (n) = 0.6700; flow exponent (m) = 0.3400, determine the effluent BOD (S_e) in mg/L.

Given

  • influentBOD(S0)=187.0mg/Linfluent BOD (S_0) = 187.0 mg/L
  • treatabilityconstant(k)=0.0990treatability constant (k) = 0.0990
  • filterdepth(D)=2.5000mfilter depth (D) = 2.5000 m
  • hydraulicloading(Q)=3.5000m3/m2/dayhydraulic loading (Q) = 3.5000 m^3/m^2/day
  • depthexponent(n)=0.6700depth exponent (n) = 0.6700
  • flowexponent(m)=0.3400flow exponent (m) = 0.3400

Find

effluent BOD (S_e), in mg/L

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Fixed-Film Equation without 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 without recycle predicts trickling filter effluent BOD as a function of depth and hydraulic loading.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    SeS0=e−kDn/Qm\dfrac{S_e}{S_0} = e^{-k D^n / Q^m}
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange symbolically for S_e:

    Se=S0e−kDn/QmS_{e} = S_0 e^{-kD^n/Q^m}
  3. Step 3 — List the givens: influent BOD (S_0) = 187.0 mg/L, treatability constant (k) = 0.0990, filter depth (D) = 2.5000 m, hydraulic loading (Q) = 3.5000 m^3/m^2/day, depth exponent (n) = 0.6700, flow exponent (m) = 0.3400.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values:

    Se=S0e−k2.50000.6700/3.50000.3400S_{e} = S_0 e^{-k2.5000^0.6700/3.5000^0.3400}
  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    Se=165.9 mg/LS_{e} = 165.9\ \text{mg/L}
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning S_e = 165.9 mg/L to

    SeS0=e−kDn/Qm\dfrac{S_e}{S_0} = e^{-k D^n / Q^m}

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

Answer:
Se=165.9 mg/LS_{e} = 165.9\ \text{mg/L}

Why the other options are there

  • 331.9 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 82.9707 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 182.5 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Fixed-Film Equation without Recycle (NRC formula)

Example 5
Fixed-Film Equation without Recycle — solve for influent BOD (case 2) — Fixed-Film Equation without Recycle (5)

fixed-film equation without recycle applied to a single-stage filter Given treatability constant (k) = 0.0470; filter depth (D) = 2.5000 m; hydraulic loading (Q) = 40.0000 m^3/m^2/day; depth exponent (n) = 0.8700; flow exponent (m) = 0.6400; effluent BOD (S_e) = 87.5000 mg/L, determine the influent BOD (S_0) in mg/L.

Given

  • treatabilityconstant(k)=0.0470treatability constant (k) = 0.0470
  • filterdepth(D)=2.5000mfilter depth (D) = 2.5000 m
  • hydraulicloading(Q)=40.0000m3/m2/dayhydraulic loading (Q) = 40.0000 m^3/m^2/day
  • depthexponent(n)=0.8700depth exponent (n) = 0.8700
  • flowexponent(m)=0.6400flow exponent (m) = 0.6400
  • effluentBOD(Se)=87.5000mg/Leffluent BOD (S_e) = 87.5000 mg/L

Find

influent BOD (S_0), in mg/L

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Fixed-Film Equation without Recycle.
  • Everything except S_0 is given, so isolate S_0 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 without recycle predicts trickling filter effluent BOD as a function of depth and hydraulic loading.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    SeS0=e−kDn/Qm\dfrac{S_e}{S_0} = e^{-k D^n / Q^m}
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange symbolically for S_0:

    S0=See−kDn/QmS_{0} = \dfrac{S_e}{e^{-kD^n/Q^m}}
  3. Step 3 — List the givens: treatability constant (k) = 0.0470, filter depth (D) = 2.5000 m, hydraulic loading (Q) = 40.0000 m^3/m^2/day, depth exponent (n) = 0.8700, flow exponent (m) = 0.6400, effluent BOD (S_e) = 87.5000 mg/L.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values:

    S0=See−k2.50000.8700/40.00000.6400S_{0} = \dfrac{S_e}{e^{-k2.5000^0.8700/40.0000^0.6400}}
  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    S0=88.3652 mg/LS_{0} = 88.3652\ \text{mg/L}
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning S_0 = 88.3652 mg/L to

    SeS0=e−kDn/Qm\dfrac{S_e}{S_0} = e^{-k D^n / Q^m}

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

Answer:
S0=88.3652 mg/LS_{0} = 88.3652\ \text{mg/L}

Why the other options are there

  • 176.7 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 44.1826 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 97.2018 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Fixed-Film Equation without Recycle (NRC formula)

Example 6
Fixed-Film Equation without Recycle — solve for treatability constant (case 2) — Fixed-Film Equation without Recycle (6)

trickling filter fixed-film equation without recycle design check Given influent BOD (S_0) = 275.0 mg/L; filter depth (D) = 2.4000 m; hydraulic loading (Q) = 33.5000 m^3/m^2/day; depth exponent (n) = 0.5800; flow exponent (m) = 0.5100; effluent BOD (S_e) = 59.0000 mg/L, determine the treatability constant (k).

Given

  • influentBOD(S0)=275.0mg/Linfluent BOD (S_0) = 275.0 mg/L
  • filterdepth(D)=2.4000mfilter depth (D) = 2.4000 m
  • hydraulicloading(Q)=33.5000m3/m2/dayhydraulic loading (Q) = 33.5000 m^3/m^2/day
  • depthexponent(n)=0.5800depth exponent (n) = 0.5800
  • flowexponent(m)=0.5100flow exponent (m) = 0.5100
  • effluentBOD(Se)=59.0000mg/Leffluent BOD (S_e) = 59.0000 mg/L

Find

treatability constant (k)

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Fixed-Film Equation without 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 without recycle predicts trickling filter effluent BOD as a function of depth and hydraulic loading.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    SeS0=e−kDn/Qm\dfrac{S_e}{S_0} = e^{-k D^n / Q^m}
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange symbolically for k:

    k=−ln⁡(SeS0)QmDnk = -\ln\left(\dfrac{S_e}{S_0}\right)\dfrac{Q^m}{D^n}
  3. Step 3 — List the givens: influent BOD (S_0) = 275.0 mg/L, filter depth (D) = 2.4000 m, hydraulic loading (Q) = 33.5000 m^3/m^2/day, depth exponent (n) = 0.5800, flow exponent (m) = 0.5100, effluent BOD (S_e) = 59.0000 mg/L.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values:

    k=−\l0.5800(SeS0)33.50000.51002.40000.5800k = -\l0.5800\left(\dfrac{S_e}{S_0}\right)\dfrac{33.5000^0.5100}{2.4000^0.5800}
  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    k=5.5533k = 5.5533
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning k = 5.5533 to

    SeS0=e−kDn/Qm\dfrac{S_e}{S_0} = e^{-k D^n / Q^m}

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

Answer:
k=5.5533k = 5.5533

Why the other options are there

  • 11.1067 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 2.7767 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 6.1087 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Fixed-Film Equation without Recycle (NRC formula)

Example 7
Fixed-Film Equation without Recycle — solve for effluent BOD (case 3) — Fixed-Film Equation without Recycle (7)

fixed-film trickling filter equation without recycle for effluent BOD Given influent BOD (S_0) = 362.0 mg/L; treatability constant (k) = 0.0920; filter depth (D) = 3.0000 m; hydraulic loading (Q) = 2.0000 m^3/m^2/day; depth exponent (n) = 0.5100; flow exponent (m) = 0.5300, determine the effluent BOD (S_e) in mg/L.

Given

  • influentBOD(S0)=362.0mg/Linfluent BOD (S_0) = 362.0 mg/L
  • treatabilityconstant(k)=0.0920treatability constant (k) = 0.0920
  • filterdepth(D)=3.0000mfilter depth (D) = 3.0000 m
  • hydraulicloading(Q)=2.0000m3/m2/dayhydraulic loading (Q) = 2.0000 m^3/m^2/day
  • depthexponent(n)=0.5100depth exponent (n) = 0.5100
  • flowexponent(m)=0.5300flow exponent (m) = 0.5300

Find

effluent BOD (S_e), in mg/L

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Fixed-Film Equation without 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 without recycle predicts trickling filter effluent BOD as a function of depth and hydraulic loading.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    SeS0=e−kDn/Qm\dfrac{S_e}{S_0} = e^{-k D^n / Q^m}
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange symbolically for S_e:

    Se=S0e−kDn/QmS_{e} = S_0 e^{-kD^n/Q^m}
  3. Step 3 — List the givens: influent BOD (S_0) = 362.0 mg/L, treatability constant (k) = 0.0920, filter depth (D) = 3.0000 m, hydraulic loading (Q) = 2.0000 m^3/m^2/day, depth exponent (n) = 0.5100, flow exponent (m) = 0.5300.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values:

    Se=S0e−k3.00000.5100/2.00000.5300S_{e} = S_0 e^{-k3.0000^0.5100/2.0000^0.5300}
  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    Se=323.8 mg/LS_{e} = 323.8\ \text{mg/L}
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning S_e = 323.8 mg/L to

    SeS0=e−kDn/Qm\dfrac{S_e}{S_0} = e^{-k D^n / Q^m}

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

Answer:
Se=323.8 mg/LS_{e} = 323.8\ \text{mg/L}

Why the other options are there

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

Reference: FE Handbook — Fixed-Film Equation without Recycle (NRC formula)

Example 8
Fixed-Film Equation without Recycle — solve for influent BOD (case 3) — Fixed-Film Equation without Recycle (8)

fixed-film equation without recycle applied to a single-stage filter Given treatability constant (k) = 0.0510; filter depth (D) = 1.5000 m; hydraulic loading (Q) = 31.5000 m^3/m^2/day; depth exponent (n) = 0.6200; flow exponent (m) = 0.6700; effluent BOD (S_e) = 230.0 mg/L, determine the influent BOD (S_0) in mg/L.

Given

  • treatabilityconstant(k)=0.0510treatability constant (k) = 0.0510
  • filterdepth(D)=1.5000mfilter depth (D) = 1.5000 m
  • hydraulicloading(Q)=31.5000m3/m2/dayhydraulic loading (Q) = 31.5000 m^3/m^2/day
  • depthexponent(n)=0.6200depth exponent (n) = 0.6200
  • flowexponent(m)=0.6700flow exponent (m) = 0.6700
  • effluentBOD(Se)=230.0mg/Leffluent BOD (S_e) = 230.0 mg/L

Find

influent BOD (S_0), in mg/L

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Fixed-Film Equation without Recycle.
  • Everything except S_0 is given, so isolate S_0 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 without recycle predicts trickling filter effluent BOD as a function of depth and hydraulic loading.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    SeS0=e−kDn/Qm\dfrac{S_e}{S_0} = e^{-k D^n / Q^m}
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange symbolically for S_0:

    S0=See−kDn/QmS_{0} = \dfrac{S_e}{e^{-kD^n/Q^m}}
  3. Step 3 — List the givens: treatability constant (k) = 0.0510, filter depth (D) = 1.5000 m, hydraulic loading (Q) = 31.5000 m^3/m^2/day, depth exponent (n) = 0.6200, flow exponent (m) = 0.6700, effluent BOD (S_e) = 230.0 mg/L.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values:

    S0=See−k1.50000.6200/31.50000.6700S_{0} = \dfrac{S_e}{e^{-k1.5000^0.6200/31.5000^0.6700}}
  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    S0=231.5 mg/LS_{0} = 231.5\ \text{mg/L}
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning S_0 = 231.5 mg/L to

    SeS0=e−kDn/Qm\dfrac{S_e}{S_0} = e^{-k D^n / Q^m}

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

Answer:
S0=231.5 mg/LS_{0} = 231.5\ \text{mg/L}

Why the other options are there

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

Reference: FE Handbook — Fixed-Film Equation without Recycle (NRC formula)

Example 9
Fixed-Film Equation without Recycle — solve for treatability constant (case 3) — Fixed-Film Equation without Recycle (9)

trickling filter fixed-film equation without recycle design check Given influent BOD (S_0) = 234.0 mg/L; filter depth (D) = 2.2000 m; hydraulic loading (Q) = 15.5000 m^3/m^2/day; depth exponent (n) = 0.5900; flow exponent (m) = 0.4300; effluent BOD (S_e) = 38.0000 mg/L, determine the treatability constant (k).

Given

  • influentBOD(S0)=234.0mg/Linfluent BOD (S_0) = 234.0 mg/L
  • filterdepth(D)=2.2000mfilter depth (D) = 2.2000 m
  • hydraulicloading(Q)=15.5000m3/m2/dayhydraulic loading (Q) = 15.5000 m^3/m^2/day
  • depthexponent(n)=0.5900depth exponent (n) = 0.5900
  • flowexponent(m)=0.4300flow exponent (m) = 0.4300
  • effluentBOD(Se)=38.0000mg/Leffluent BOD (S_e) = 38.0000 mg/L

Find

treatability constant (k)

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Fixed-Film Equation without 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 without recycle predicts trickling filter effluent BOD as a function of depth and hydraulic loading.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    SeS0=e−kDn/Qm\dfrac{S_e}{S_0} = e^{-k D^n / Q^m}
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange symbolically for k:

    k=−ln⁡(SeS0)QmDnk = -\ln\left(\dfrac{S_e}{S_0}\right)\dfrac{Q^m}{D^n}
  3. Step 3 — List the givens: influent BOD (S_0) = 234.0 mg/L, filter depth (D) = 2.2000 m, hydraulic loading (Q) = 15.5000 m^3/m^2/day, depth exponent (n) = 0.5900, flow exponent (m) = 0.4300, effluent BOD (S_e) = 38.0000 mg/L.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values:

    k=−\l0.5900(SeS0)15.50000.43002.20000.5900k = -\l0.5900\left(\dfrac{S_e}{S_0}\right)\dfrac{15.5000^0.4300}{2.2000^0.5900}
  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    k=3.7097k = 3.7097
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning k = 3.7097 to

    SeS0=e−kDn/Qm\dfrac{S_e}{S_0} = e^{-k D^n / Q^m}

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

Answer:
k=3.7097k = 3.7097

Why the other options are there

  • 7.4195 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 1.8549 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 4.0807 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Fixed-Film Equation without Recycle (NRC formula)

Example 10
Fixed-Film Equation without Recycle — solve for effluent BOD (case 4) — Fixed-Film Equation without Recycle (10)

fixed-film trickling filter equation without recycle for effluent BOD Given influent BOD (S_0) = 233.0 mg/L; treatability constant (k) = 0.0710; filter depth (D) = 1.5000 m; hydraulic loading (Q) = 8.0000 m^3/m^2/day; depth exponent (n) = 0.6100; flow exponent (m) = 0.4300, determine the effluent BOD (S_e) in mg/L.

Given

  • influentBOD(S0)=233.0mg/Linfluent BOD (S_0) = 233.0 mg/L
  • treatabilityconstant(k)=0.0710treatability constant (k) = 0.0710
  • filterdepth(D)=1.5000mfilter depth (D) = 1.5000 m
  • hydraulicloading(Q)=8.0000m3/m2/dayhydraulic loading (Q) = 8.0000 m^3/m^2/day
  • depthexponent(n)=0.6100depth exponent (n) = 0.6100
  • flowexponent(m)=0.4300flow exponent (m) = 0.4300

Find

effluent BOD (S_e), in mg/L

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Fixed-Film Equation without 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 without recycle predicts trickling filter effluent BOD as a function of depth and hydraulic loading.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    SeS0=e−kDn/Qm\dfrac{S_e}{S_0} = e^{-k D^n / Q^m}
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange symbolically for S_e:

    Se=S0e−kDn/QmS_{e} = S_0 e^{-kD^n/Q^m}
  3. Step 3 — List the givens: influent BOD (S_0) = 233.0 mg/L, treatability constant (k) = 0.0710, filter depth (D) = 1.5000 m, hydraulic loading (Q) = 8.0000 m^3/m^2/day, depth exponent (n) = 0.6100, flow exponent (m) = 0.4300.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values:

    Se=S0e−k1.50000.6100/8.00000.4300S_{e} = S_0 e^{-k1.5000^0.6100/8.0000^0.4300}
  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    Se=224.5 mg/LS_{e} = 224.5\ \text{mg/L}
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning S_e = 224.5 mg/L to

    SeS0=e−kDn/Qm\dfrac{S_e}{S_0} = e^{-k D^n / Q^m}

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

Answer:
Se=224.5 mg/LS_{e} = 224.5\ \text{mg/L}

Why the other options are there

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

Reference: FE Handbook — Fixed-Film Equation without Recycle (NRC formula)

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