This thesis aims to experimentally assess and mathematically model the effect of several key operational parameters on N2O production by AOB as well as the contributions of different N2O production pathways to total N2O emission.
Resource Theme: GHG
Biogas Wastewater Assessment Technology Tool (BioWATT)
The purpose of BioWATT is to provide a quick and preliminary assessment of wastewater-to-energy projects.Based on as little as two inputs provided by the user (average hydraulic load and average inflow BOD5 concentration).
Factsheet: Municipal Wastewater Methane: Reducing Emissions, Advancing Recovery and Use Opportunities
This factsheet provides a concise reference describing the sources of methane emissions in WW plants, and opportunities for methane recover and utlization. Additional two case studies are included describing recovery and use of methane within WWTPs globally.
Greenhouse Gases Emissions from Wastewater Treatment Plants: Minimization, Treatment, and Prevention
This article reviews three different ways to reduce GHG emission in wastewater treatment plants: (1) Minimization through change in operational parameters, (2) Treatment of the gaseous streams, and (3) Prevention by applying new configurations and processes to reduce both pollutants and GHG emissions.
The Roadmap to a Low-Carbon Urban Water Utility
An international guide to the WaCCliM approach
The Roadmap to a Low-Carbon Urban Water Utility presents utility managers with an approach to address their most pressing challenges, while reducing carbon emissions through
measures that either have a return on investment through energy or water savings, or that correspond to planned investments as part of the asset management plan to maintain or improve their services. Utilities adopting this approach are contributing to a carbon-neutral future, by instigating a change of mind-set, not only in urban water management but also by inspiring all other urban services through sharing the risks and the urgency to act to avoid aggravated impacts of climate change, of which water utilities are among the first victims: water scarcity, flooding and deteriorated water quality
Biogas valorization and efficient energy management – Best practices for improved sludge digestion
This review covers state-of-the-art technologies for advanced anaerobic digestion of municipal sewage sludge. It is based on an extensive review of literature and available data, focussing on processes which have been realized in full-scale plants. The review includes information on single-stage mesophilic digestion, thermophilic digestion, temperature-phased digestion, high-load digestion and other process modifications, as well as mechanical, thermal, chemical, and biological disintegration methods. All processes are described with a set of key performance indicators such as degradation rate of volatile solids, biogas yield, return load, effects on dewatering, and capital costs.
From Data Management to Greenhouse Gas Monitoring
This factsheet provides guidance on how to use the ECAM tool to monitor total greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption.
The Biosolids Emissions Assessment Model (BEAM)
Biosolids management practices are evaluated based on environmental, economic and social impacts. A consideration of increasing importance is the impact of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from biosolids (treated sludge). BEAM tool was developed for calculating GHG emissions from biosolids management.
Benefits and drawbacks of thermal pre-hydrolysis for operational performance of wastewater treatment plants
This paper presents benefits and potential drawbacks of thermal pre-hydrolysis of sewage sludge from an operator’s prospective. The innovative continuous Thermo-Pressure-Hydrolysis Process (TDH) has been tested in fullscale at Zirl wastewater treatment plant (WWTP), Austria, and its influence on sludge digestion and dewatering has been evaluated. A mathematical plant-wide model with application of the IWA Activated Sludge Model No.1 (ASM1) and the Anaerobic Digestion Model No.1 (ADM1) has been used for a systematic comparison of both scenarios – operational plant performance with and without thermal pre-hydrolysis. The impacts of TDH pre-hydrolysis on biogas potential, dewatering and return load in terms of ammonia and inert organic compounds (Si) have been simulated by the calibrated model and are displayed by Sankey mass flow figures. Implementation of full scale TDH process provided higher anaerobic degradation efficiency with subsequent increased biogas production (+75-80%) of waste activated sludge (WAS). Both effects – enhanced degradation of organic matter and improved cake’s solids content from 25.2 to 32.7% TSS – promise a reduction in sludge disposal costs of about 25%. However, increased ammonia release and generation of soluble inert Si was observed when TDH pre-hydrolysis was introduced to WWTP.