PROGRAMME

Artificial intelligence (AI) is proving useful in optimizing the process efficiency in many sectors, including wastewater treatment. The complexity of wastewater characteristics and treatment technologies leads to uncertainties and variability in the efficiency of the processes in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), resulting in environmental risks and increased operating costs. Many studies have shown that AI could be applied to achieve better performance in WWTPs, minimizing potential negative environmental impacts, enhancing the quality of treated wastewater, and reducing costs through efficient, innovative, and smart solutions. This article provides a review of recent progress in the implementation of AI in wastewater treatment, giving an overview of the state of the art in this field. The analysis conducted in this review demonstrates the enormous potential of implementing AI technologies in wastewater treatment applications, obtaining technologically advanced systems that simultaneously provide high purification performance, simplified process management and reduced operating costs. Furthermore, automation of processes and improved monitoring activities can be fostered by applying AI. Finally, the future potential of the integration of AI techniques in wastewater treatment is discussed and the long-term prospects in this field are presented. Research can make great strides by addressing the challenges and overcoming the limitations that hinder their implementation in full-scale plants.