Mitigating greenhouse gas emissions from municipal wastewater treatment in China

Yindong Tong(Tibet University), Xiawei Liao(Beijing Normal-Hong Kong Baptist University), Yanying He(Tianjin University), Xiaomei Cui(Tibet University), Marcus J. Wishart(World Bank), Zhao Feng(Tianjin University), Yulian Liao(Tianjin University), Yingxin Zhao(Tianjin University), Xuebin Lv(Tianjin University), Jiawen Xie(Tianjin University), Yiwen Liu(Tianjin University), Guanyi Chen(Tianjin University of Commerce), Li’an Hou(Tianjin University)
Environmental Science and Ecotechnology
November 13, 2023
10.1016/j.ese.2023.100341
Cited by 71Open Access
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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) × 104 Gg release of GHGs (CO2-eq) in 2020, with a dominant contribution from N2O 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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