Digitalization for sustainable wastewater treatment: a way forward for promoting the UN SDG#6 ‘clean water and sanitation’ towards carbon neutrality goals

Abstract

This paper investigates the role of digitalization in enhancing wastewater treatment processes, emphasizing its potential to optimize resource utilization, reduce energy consumption, and improve water quality. By examining the implementation of digital technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning (ML), the study demonstrates how these tools enable real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and intelligent decision-making in wastewater treatment operations. The paper provides a comparative analysis based on key performance indicators (MAPE, RMSE, R2) to evaluate the effectiveness of these digital solutions. Additionally, it discusses the benefits and challenges associated with integrating digital tools in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), including cost, complexity, and data security concerns. The study also addresses the impact of digitalization on carbon neutrality goals, highlighting how data-driven approaches can enhance resource allocation and management. By offering insights into current practices and future directions, this paper aims to contribute to the advancement of sustainable wastewater treatment and support the achievement of UN SDG#6, ensuring clean water and sanitation for all.