Modelling N2O dynamics in the engineered N cycle: Evaluation of alternate model structures

Abstract

Research on nitrous oxide (N2O) formation in engineered wastewater systems has experienced an exponential development in the recent years due to the important environmental impact of this greenhouse gas. These efforts have crystalized in a large number of publications that aim to identify the importance of the main microbial processes responsible for its production and consumption. The conceptualization of these pathways in mathematical models has the potential to become a key tool to increase our understanding on the complex interrelationships within these ecosystems and develop strategies to minimize the carbon footprint of wastewater treatment plants. The present contribution aims to summarize the recent developments in this field and makes use of standard indentifiability measures to show how the choice of experimental protocols and model structures can potentially impact their calibration