AI Article Synopsis
- Municipal wastewater treatment is crucial for improving water quality by removing contaminants, but it also contributes significantly to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, a fact that hasn't been thoroughly examined.
- An assessment of GHG emissions from wastewater treatment plants in China estimated a total release of 1.54 (0.92-2.65) × 10 Gg of GHGs in 2020, largely due to NO emissions and electricity use.
- There is a potential to reduce GHG emissions by 60-65% through advanced treatment methods, smarter wastewater management, and transitioning to renewable energy sources.
Article Abstract
Municipal wastewater treatment plays an indispensable role in enhancing water quality by eliminating contaminants. While the process is vital, its environmental footprint, especially in terms of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, remains underexplored. Here we offer a comprehensive assessment of GHG emissions from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) across China. Our analyses reveal an estimated 1.54 (0.92-2.65) × 10 Gg release of GHGs (CO-eq) in 2020, with a dominant contribution from NO emissions and electricity consumption. We can foresee a 60-65% reduction potential in GHG emissions with promising advancements in wastewater treatment, such as cutting-edge biological techniques, intelligent wastewater strategies, and a shift towards renewable energy sources.
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Source |
|---|---|
| http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10716752 | PMC |
| http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ese.2023.100341 | DOI Listing |
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