Development and testing of a graphical simulator for wastewater treatment plant design and analysis

In this study, a computer based graphical interface is developed to improve wastewater treatment systems. Depending on the desired input-output relationship of the system, the simulator is run to show the possible results for each step of the processes of a wastewater treatment system. In order to describe the treatment performance on the wastewater, each subsystem responses, which are predefined and mathematically modeled, are observable. It is possible to observe the system behavior on maximum and minimum values of physical, biological and chemical wastewater components. The subsystems are constructed elastically; the simulator allows adding different mathematical responses to the subsystems on different chemical and physical components. The organic-inorganic and chemical-physical responses of the system are simulated distinctly. The wastewater treatment characteristics for different components of any type are planned, observed and optimized. All relevant variables such as depth of pools, flow speed and sewage characteristics can be changed on the simulator. Whale Optimization Algorithm (WOA) is used to achieve the desired optimized solutions. The simulator is run for the Gaziantep Oğuzeli WWTP conditions. The results of whole simulator are concluded with both economic and environmental trajectories depending on the desired outputs and the control mechanisms of the system. Moreover a Unified Tank Model (UTM) for the aeration and sedimentation phases is proposed and investigated as part of this study. Environmental aspects are taken in to account for all steps of this study. Keywords: Wastewater, Wastewater Treatment, Mathematical Modeling, Simulation, Control.