Series-connected data-based model to estimate effluent chemical oxygen demand in industrial wastewater treatment process

Continuous monitoring of chemical oxygen demand (COD) is essential to ensure efficient and sustainable wastewater treatment and regulatory compliance. However, traditional hardware measurements are laborious, infrequent and costly. In this research, a cost-effective real-time alternative is presented. ARMAX, ARX, Neural Network and PLSR model structures were identified and tested for finding data-based model for real-time estimation of effluent COD in a full-scale industrial WWTP. To aim for estimating effluent COD without physically measuring it, a novel chain of two estimators was created by connecting in series the identified influent and effluent COD models. A comprehensive and systematic model identification was carried out to find the model inputs, delays, parameters and training windows using an exhaustive search algorithm. The results showed that using solely linear model structure it is possible to identify sufficiently accurate (R: 0.67, MAPE: 7.33%) and practical (interpretable and implementable) data-based estimation model which has predictive ability even up to 20 h horizon. As the series-connected model structure reaches the required margin of error it has potential for real-world industrial usage alongside or even replacing the hardware online sensor. Estimation model enhances resiliency and provides real-time insights into effluent quality in varying operating conditions and during unexpected disturbances. © 2024 The Authors