Abstract: A system and method is provided that predicts operational parameters for all unit operations in water treatment plants or the like. Initial training with historical operations data, for example, allows the system and method to develop equations that can in turn predict the present and future performance of the plant in real time. In addition, the system and method can control operations of the plant in real time. The system improves the performance of the plant to meet predetermined subpoints of various parameters. For example, the predetermined subpoints can be used to enable the plant to meet regulatory needs while controlling for other parameters such as cost, chemical fees, flow rates and power consumption. The system and method include a non-linear predictive model for turbidity. The system considers the influent water quality and analyzes treatment options available to predict the dose of various chemicals required to get desired treatment.

Abstract: An improved method for treating leachate from a sanitary landfill is provided. The method includes the steps of adding a pH adjuster to elevate the pH of the leachate, such that ammonia nitrogen compounds, COD compounds, and VOCs form volatiles and heavy metals form insoluble compounds; combusting landfill gas to produce combustion products and to elevate the temperature of the leachate such that chemical activity is enhanced therein; gas stripping the volatiles from the leachate; precipitating the insoluble compounds from the leachate; and diffusing the combustion gases through the leachate to reduce the pH thereof to an acceptable discharge level.