Activated sludge modelling in practice: an international survey

Abstract

The Good Modelling Practice Task Group (GMP-TG) of the International Water Association (IWA) is developing guidelines for the use of Activated Sludge Models (ASM). As part of this work the group created and sent out a questionnaire to current and potential activated sludge model users in 2007. The objectives of the questionnaire were (i) to better define the profile of ASM users, (ii) to identify the tools and procedures that are actually used and (iii) to highlight the main limitations while building and using ASM-type models. Ninety-six answers were received from all over the world, from several types of organisation. The results were analysed to identify the modellers' perceptions of models depending on their profile. The results also highlighted the main topics of interest for improving modelling procedures which are standardisation of the available modelling guidelines and better experience and knowledge transfer.