Advancing the Understanding of Nitrous Oxide Emissions Through Enhanced Whole-Plant Monitoring and Quantification

Nitrous Oxide (N2O) emissions are a significant and historically underestimated source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from Water Resource Recovery Facilities (WRRFs). N2O has a global warming potential (GWP) 270 times higher than CO2 for a 100-year timescale. The objectives of this project are to improve understanding and quantification of N2O emissions from WRRFs through high quality synthesis of literature on the production, emission, and mitigation of N2O. Drawing on global best practices in monitoring, project 5251 will deliver the first in-country N2O and process data database, providing utilities with an understanding of N2O risks, monitoring installation design, estimating emissions, and mitigation measures. It will also provide valuable contributions to the global wastewater industry, where practical guidance is lacking. In addition, this project will help facilitate the collaboration through a global research network.