Abstract: An aspect of the invention relates to a method for verifying the plausibility of sensor information sensed by a sensor device associated with a plant process, in particular a water treatment process and/or a wastewater treatment process, wherein the sensor information relates to the plant process, the method comprising: receiving (S100), by a control unit, the sensor information; performing (S110), by the control unit, a verification model, the verification model determining an expected sensor information which the sensor device shall provide, wherein the verification model determines the expected sensor information based on at least one other information related to the plant process and having a relationship to the sensor information; comparing the expected sensor information with the received sensor information; and upon determining (S120) that the sensor information deviates from the expected sensor information, outputting (S130), by the control unit, a verification signal.

Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling nitrous oxide production in a wastewater treatment facility in which wastewater is treated with microbes in a biological reactor. Nitrous oxide production can be controlled by determining an amount of two or more nutrients in the biological reactor, calculating a value that represents a comparison of the values, comparing the calculated value to a threshold value, and optionally taking a corrective action to reduce nitrous oxide production based on the comparison. In one aspect, nitrous oxide production can be controlled by determining an amount of ammonium in the biological reactor, determining an amount of a nitrogen compound that can include nitrite, nitrate, and/or hydroxylamine, calculating a value that compares the amount of ammonium to the amount of the nitrogen compound, and taking a corrective action that changes a system parameter to reduce the nitrous oxide production if the calculated value surpasses a threshold limit.

Abstract: Methods and kits are provided for analyzing a fluid with a flow cytometer to determine the concentration of a target component in the fluid. At least two bead groups are combined with the fluid, wherein each of the bead groups includes surface-functionalized beads that have a different size from the other bead groups. The target component can bind to the functional groups on the beads, and the beads with the targets can be counted with the flow cytometer. Based on the numbers of beads with targets in each group, a most probable number (MPN) of the target component can be determined.

Abstract: An embodiment provides a method for determining the alkalinity of an aqueous sample using an alkalinity sensor, including: monitoring the pH of an aqueous sample using a pH sensor in a sample cell, the pH sensor including a pH sensor electrode made of boron-doped diamond; generating hydronium ions, using a hydronium generator, in the aqueous sample in the sample cell, the hydronium generator including a hydronium-generating electrode; changing the pH of the aqueous sample by causing the hydronium generator to generate an amount of hydronium ions in the aqueous sample; quantifying and converting a current or charge to the number of hydronium ions produced to an end point of the electrochemical titration, the end point correlating to the alkalinity of a sample; and analyzing the alkalinity of the aqueous sample based on the generated amount of hydronium ions and the resulting change in pH monitored by the pH sensor.

Abstract: An embodiment provides an amperometric sensor, including: a housing containing an inner fill solution; an electrode bathed in the inner fill solution; and a membrane in intimate contact with the electrode; the electrode being formed as a non-compact or porous structure on the membrane; whereby a spatial relationship of the electrode and the membrane is constant. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: An embodiment provides an amperometric sensor, including: a housing containing an inner fill solution; an electrode bathed in the inner fill solution; and a membrane in intimate contact with the electrode; the electrode being formed as a non-compact or porous structure on the membrane; whereby a spatial relationship of the electrode and the membrane is constant. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: A system and method for the on-demand on-line treatment of water is disclosed. The system uses ultra high energy UV light coupled with the introduction of a strong oxidant to induce photo-catalytic degradation of chemical compounds and biocidal activity. When an agent or substance is detected in the water the treatment system would be activated.