Plant-wide modelling in wastewater treatment: showcasing experiences using the Biological Nutrient Removal Model

Area of Science:

• Environmental Engineering
• Water Treatment Technologies
• Process Modeling

Background:

• Water resource recovery facilities (WRRFs) are increasingly complex.
• Existing plant-wide models need to incorporate novel treatment processes.
• Accurate modeling is crucial for efficient WRRF operation and design.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a chronological overview of significant plant-wide wastewater treatment models.
• To illustrate the utility of general models (supermodels) in WRRF modeling.
• To showcase experience with the Biological Nutrient Removal Model (BNRM).

Main Methods:

• Literature review of plant-wide wastewater treatment models.
• Chronological analysis of model development.
• Application and discussion of the BNRM general model.

Main Results:

• Identified key historical developments in plant-wide wastewater modeling.
• Demonstrated the adaptability and importance of general models like BNRM.
• Highlighted the role of supermodels in advancing WRRF engineering and research.

Conclusions:

• Plant-wide modeling is critical for understanding complex WRRFs.
• General models (supermodels) offer a flexible framework for current and future wastewater treatment challenges.
• The BNRM model serves as a valuable tool for both practical engineering and scientific research in wastewater treatment.