Comparing continuous and intermittent aeration using BioWin™ model simulation in a full-scale wastewater treatment plant

Intermittent aeration has been recognized for its effectiveness and affordability in biological wastewater treatment. The employment of mathematical modeling is necessary to evaluate the performance of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) aimed at expanding operating purposes. In this study, BioWin™ was employed to model and simulate continuous and intermittent aeration strategies in a real full-scale WWTP, replicating plant conditions and exploring various non-aeration durations (i.e., 1–12 h). The data were collected for wastewater characterization and model calibration. The simulation indicated that both aeration approaches were suitable for proper nitrification by achieving NH3–N concentrations below 4 mg/L. It was moreover, extending non-aeration phases from 1 to 12 h enhanced denitrification and total nitrogen removal from about 11 to 98 % and 8 to 72 %, respectively. Intermittent aeration significantly reduced energy consumption up to an average of 50 %. These findings highlight that intermittent aeration can improve energy use, reduce costs, and decrease indirect emissions without compromising effluent quality. Work limitations and future perspectives about the use of BioWin™ modeling and intermittent aeration strategy are here discussed for other WWTP configurations.