Quantitative image analysis as a valuable tool to assess aerobic wastewater treatment systems

Abstract

Monitoring biological wastewater treatment (WWT) is a fundamental task for improving process performance and efficiency. Key physical, chemical, and operational parameters are monitored in WWT for assessing effluent and sludge quality. This strategy is of the utmost importance to reduce the release of contaminants discharge in the environment. However, most traditional methodologies for determining those parameters are costly, labor-intensive and time-consuming, and a few may even present environmental risks associated with end products. Therefore, simpler, faster, and cleaner alternatives allowing to monitor the process key variables to make educated decisions are of great interest. Quantitative image analysis (QIA) techniques have been widely used in the last few years for the assessment of aerobic (suspended and granular) aggregates and filamentous bacteria properties. This chapter highlights QIA procedures, imaging systems and applications in WWT monitoring, as well as the main chemometric techniques employed. The authors also present the future perspectives on QIA applicability as a valuable tool in this field.