Modeling and optimization of wastewater treatment processes

Abstract Mathematical modeling and optimization of wastewater treatment processes have become a powerful tool for process designing in engineering firms throughout the world. The wastewater treatment processes are complex, and their operations pose many challenges. The modeling and optimization of wastewater treatment processes facilitate in predicting the behavior of wastewater treatment processes, the fluctuations in the influent concentrations, flow rate, and concentration of pollutants without disturbing the real system. The mathematical models are extensively used at operating facilities for everyday operating decisions. The increased computer processing power, along with the user-friendly simulation software, has made it easier to model the complexities. This chapter provides a complete and detailed overview of the application of mathematical modeling in the field of wastewater treatment. The modeling approach, implementing the circular economy principles, is also discussed, highlighting the potential of wastewater treatment plants to be more sustainable waste resource recovery facilities.