9. Current and foreseeable contributions of automation – regulation and "artificial intelligence".

9.1 Automation – control

Continuous sensors and analyzers are essential for regulating and monitoring STERU operation.

Aeration can be controlled by means of a probe measuring dissolved oxygen or redox potential, enabling nitrification-denitrification to take place within the same pond.

Sludge removal from the basins can be controlled by a probe that measures the amount of suspended solids.

To protect the purifying biomass from toxic effluents, a respirometry-based toxicity sensor can be installed in the ERU to be treated.

On parameters such as flow rates, COD, BOD ₅ , ${\text{NH}}_4^{\text{+}}$...