Expert system for applying coagulant in water treatment: case study in Nobres (Brazil)
Abstract In most Brazilian municipalities, the water supply comes from surface water sources, requiring infrastructure and human resources, especially water treatment. Where infrastructure and human resources are lacking, auxiliary methods and/or substitutes are valuable. The aim of this work was to develop an expert system (ES) to determine and apply coagulant dosing, in real time, in a water treatment plant (WTP). The ES was developed and evaluated at the WTP in Nobres, Mato Grosso (MT) state, Brazil. It is called AIASD (artificial intelligence for aluminium sulphate dosage) and was validated using the Turing test. It can determine and apply coagulant dosing in water treatment. AIASD contributed successfully to WTP operations in Nobres and other WTPs; making decisions and applying the coagulant dosing necessary for water treatment.