Indirect methods based on stochastical modelling for peracetic acid decay estimation in wastewater

Optimal control of wastewater disinfection, aimed at ensuring system reliability to minimize microbial risk, is essential in case of wastewater reuse. When peracetic acid (PAA) is used as disinfectant, natural loss of reactant occurs, with dependence on the wastewater matrix characteristics [1,2]. An accurate description of PAA decay in a specific wastewater matrix is usually carried out by laboratory experiments. In the present work, two indirect methods based on stochastical modelling for PAA decay estimation are explored, as effective, simple and fast alternatives to direct characterization. Both methods are based on monitoring data collected from the disinfection reactor. The final goal is to provide proper tools for real-time control.