Comparison of guideline- and model-based WWTP design for uncertain influent conditions


 In this study, two methods for wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) dimensioning were compared: (1) a traditional guideline-based approach, and (2) a mechanistic model-based approach. The design outputs depended on uncertainties in correlated influent concentrations, which emphasises the importance of uncertainty analysis. The results showed that model-based design can simplify and reduce the time required for uncertainty and sensitivity analysis as compared to a conventional design approach, in which the equations are solved manually and iteratively. A benefit of the conventional design approach was the simple interpretation about which factors that limited the design capacity. In the end, this study shows the potential, as well as the need for, model-based design of WWTPs.