Mainstream short-cut N removal modelling: current status and perspectives

Abstract

This work gives an overview of the state-of-the-art in modelling of short-cut processes for nitrogen removal in mainstream wastewater treatment and presents future perspectives for directing research efforts in line with the needs of practice. The modelling status for deammonification (i.e., anammox-based) and nitrite-shunt processes is presented with its challenges and limitations. The importance of mathematical models for considering N2O emissions in the design and operation of short-cut nitrogen removal processes is considered as well. Modelling goals and potential benefits are presented and the needs for new and more advanced approaches are identified. Overall, this contribution presents how existing and future mathematical models can accelerate successful full-scale mainstream short-cut nitrogen removal applications. HIGHLIGHTS Models for mainstream short-cut N removal processes are reviewed by considering their current practice and limitations.; Modelling goals and potential benefits are presented from a modeller perspective to facilitate successful applications.; More advanced modelling approaches are presented to overcome the addressed challenges and limitations.;

Keywords

• anammox
• deammonification
• energy optimization
• mathematical modelling
• partial denitrification
• partial nitritation
• resource optimization