AbstractGenetic programming (GP) is an orderly method based on natural evolution rules for getting computers to regularly solve a problem. In the present study, GP is presented as a novel approach for modeling the gas sparging assisted microfiltration of oil-in-water emulsion process. The effects of gas flow rate (QG), oil concentration (Coil), transmembrane pressure (TMP), and liquid flow rate (QL) on the permeate flux and oil rejection were studied and the GP models were developed to predict the membrane performance. Coil and TMP showed significant effects on both permeate flux and rejection. An interaction between Coil and TMP was detected, at low Coil and high TMP, in which the permeate flux increased considerably. It was found that QL has a low effect on permeate flux, but its impact on rejection was significant. Increasing QL from 0.5 to 2.75 L/min led to a considerable increment in rejection; however, further increase in the liquid flow rate decreased the oil rejection. On the contrary, QG showed a...