Biofiltration is gradually gaining popularity among biological wastewater treatment processes, becoming a valid alternative to the more widespread activated sludge system. In order to understand better the operating conditions that influence the efficiency of such a process, a mathematical model has been developed. It allows the calculation of the COD and N-NH4 + profiles along the filter height and inside the biofilm and simulates filter clogging due to the 4 biomass growth. The model output has been verified through a series of sensitivity tests and its results have been calibrated considering the results of an experimental campaign conducted on the Biostyr® biofiltration unit of the Rome southern municipal wastewater treatment plant. Such a model can be used to understand better the influence of variation of the operating conditions on the efficiency of the biofiltration process, furthermore representing a valid predictive tool for the management of existing wastewater treatment plants and for the design of new ones. © 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

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