Economic Implications and Cost–Benefit Analysis of AI in Wastewater Treatment

In recent times, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has revolutionized several sectors by offering innovative solutions to complex challenges. In wastewater treatment (WWT), artificial intelligence (AI) models have been widely used to predict efficiency, evaluate performance, and optimize processes in search of more cost-effective solutions. This is because AI models have fast learning and precise prediction capabilities. The current chapter delves into the different AI models that can and have been implemented for the purpose of water management and treatment, improving the accuracy of the pollutant removal and offering insights into potential future directions for innovative research in the field. It also showcases caste studies exhibiting the successful implementation of AI-based WWT solutions. There is also a deep emphasis on the economic implications of integrating AI technology into WWT systems and an extensive review of the cost–benefit analysis of such implementations. The intersection of artificial intelligence and WWT is becoming an increasingly important area of focus for both researchers, policymakers and the common people as stakeholders due to the environmental concerns and the increasing need for sustainable solutions. It also seeks to give significant insights into the possible advantages and problems that may arise due to the implementation of new AI technologies for the purpose of environmental management by assessing not only the costs and benefits associated with AI adoption in this area but also investigating the economic repercussions of this technology.