This paper contains two contributions. First it is shown, in a simulat
ion study using the IAWQ model, that a linear multivariable time-invar
iant state-space model can be used to predict the ammonium and nitrate
concentration in the last aerated zone in a pre-denitrifying activate
d sludge process. Secondly, using the estimated linear model, a multiv
ariable linear quadratic (LQ) controller is designed and used to contr
ol the ammonium and nitrate concentration. (C) 1998 Published by Elsev
ier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.