Integrating online differential titrimetry and dynamic modelling as innovative energy saving strategy in a large industrial WWTP

Abstract Wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) are required to meet increasingly stringent effluent quality standards as well improve process sustainability in terms of energy efficiency, line with the call for a paradigm shift towards more sustainable concept wastewater resource recovery facility (WRRF). In this context, optimised Instrumentation, Control and Automation (ICA) systems plant-wide modelling have become key tools optimising economic environmental costs. The present work reports on successfull integration an innovative on-line continuous titrimeter support tool optimisation nitritification unit large-scale industrial WWTP. information gathered from allowed real-time estimation Ammonia Oxidation Rate activated sludge and, ultimately, nitrification residual capacity plant. Results long-term operation historical data supported plant managing decisions, such lowering dissolved oxygen (DO) set-point oxidation unit, straightforwardly resulting saving. Graphical abstract