A REVIEW OF WASTEWATER TREATMENT PROCESS MODELING

Abstract

Modeling of Wastewater Treatment Process (WWTP) has gained much attention and a lot of research has been focused toward this area. This review paper includes a detailed discussion on different aspects of wastewater treatment process modeling considering white-box and black-box modeling techniques. Initially basic model steps are discussed for the better understanding of modeling concepts. Basic Activated Sludge Models (ASM) developed by International Water Association (IWA) task group are contributing considerably in wastewater treatment modeling. Different factors related to the model performance like model selection, model functions and model calibration are discussed in detail. The applications of ASM1, ASM2, ASM2d, ASM3, ASM3_2N, ASM3 bio-P model etc. are also studied. The white-box modeling techniques in this area are more significant. The importance of black-box models under special conditions where white-box models are not able to predict accurate results are also investigated. It was also found that use of hybrid, linearization and Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques in wastewater treatment modeling can be more useful for process optimization and control.