Solution
1
Calculate the mass of degradable biomass: To find the mass of degradable biomass in the wastewater, multiply the volume of wastewater by the concentration of biomass
$ \text{Mass of biomass} = \text{Volume of wastewater} \times \text{Concentration of biomass} = 1,000,000 \, \text{L} \times 200 \, \text{mg/L} $
2
Stoichiometry of the degradation reaction: The balanced chemical equation for the degradation of biomass (CH2O) with oxygen is: CH2O+O2→CO2+H2O. From this, we can see that 1 mole of CH2O requires 1 mole of O2 for complete degradation 3
Calculate moles of biomass: Convert the mass of biomass to moles using the molar mass of CH2O (30.03 g/mol)
$ \text{Moles of biomass} = \frac{\text{Mass of biomass}}{\text{Molar mass of CH2O}} = \frac{1,000,000 \times 200 \times 10^{-3}}{30.03} $
4
Calculate moles of oxygen needed: Since the stoichiometry is 1:1, the moles of oxygen needed are equal to the moles of biomass
$ \text{Moles of O}_2 = \text{Moles of biomass} $
5
Calculate volume of oxygen at STP: Use the ideal gas law to find the volume of oxygen at standard temperature and pressure (STP), where 1 mole of gas occupies 22.4 liters
$ \text{Volume of O}_2 \text{ at STP} = \text{Moles of O}_2 \times 22.4 \, \text{L/mol} $
6
Convert volume of oxygen to conditions at 25°C: Use the combined gas law to find the volume of oxygen at 25°C and 1 atm
$ \text{Volume of O}_2 \text{ at 25°C} = \text{Volume of O}_2 \text{ at STP} \times \frac{T_{25°C}}{T_{STP}} $
$ T_{25°C} = 298 \, \text{K} $ and $ T_{STP} = 273 \, \text{K} $
7
Calculate the volume of dry air needed: Since air is approximately 21% oxygen by volume, divide the volume of oxygen required by 0.21 to find the total volume of air needed
$ \text{Volume of air} = \frac{\text{Volume of O}_2 \text{ at 25°C}}{0.21} $
Answer
[Insert final answer here]
Key Concept
Stoichiometry and gas laws are essential for calculating the volume of air required to provide oxygen for the degradation of biomass in wastewater treatment.
Explanation
The calculation involves determining the mass of biomass, converting it to moles, using the stoichiometry of the degradation reaction to find the moles of oxygen needed, and then using the ideal and combined gas laws to calculate the volume of air at the specified conditions.