Wastewater treatment is an important step for pollutant reduction and the promotion of water environment quality. The complexity of natural conditions, influent shock, and wastewater treatment technology result in uncertainty and variation in the wastewater treatment system. These uncertainties result in fluctuations in effluent water quality and operation costs, as well as the environmental risk of receiving waters. Artificial intelligence has become a powerful tool for minimizing the complexities and complications in wastewater treatment. In this study, we examine the literature from 1995 to 2019 to conduct a large-scale bibliometric analysis of trends in the application of artificial intelligence technology to wastewater treatment. Furthermore, we present a systematic review of four aspects of the application of artificial intelligence to wastewater treatment: technology, economy, management, and wastewater reuse. Finally, we provide perspectives on the potential future directions of new research frontiers in the utilization of artificial intelligence in wastewater treatment plants that simultaneously address pollutant removal, cost reduction, water reuse, and management challenges in complex practical applications. (C) 2019 Institution of Chemical Engineers. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.