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Factors Affecting Nitrous Oxide Emissions from Activated Sludge Wastewater Treatment Plants—A Review

Author

Listed:
  • Liana Kemmou

    (Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry & Water and Wastewater Treatment, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Western Macedonia, 50100 Kozani, Greece)

  • Elisavet Amanatidou

    (Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry & Water and Wastewater Treatment, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Western Macedonia, 50100 Kozani, Greece)

Abstract

Nitrous oxide (N 2 O) is a greenhouse gas contributing to ozone layer depletion and climate change. Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) contribute significantly to the global anthropogenic N 2 O emissions. The main factors affecting N 2 O emissions are the dissolved oxygen concentration (DO), the nitrite accumulation, the rapidly changing process conditions, the substrate composition and COD/N ratio, the pH, and the temperature. Low DO in the nitrification process results in higher N 2 O emissions, whereas high aeration rate in the nitration/anammox process results in higher N 2 O production. High DO in the denitrification inhibits the N 2 O reductase synthesis/activity, leading to N 2 O accumulation. High nitrite accumulation in both the nitrification and denitrification processes leads to high N 2 O emissions. Transient DO changes and rapid shifts in pH result in high N 2 O production. Ammonia shock loads leads to incomplete nitrification, resulting in NO 2 − accumulation and N 2 O formation. Limiting the biodegradable substrate hinders complete denitrification, leading to high N 2 O production. A COD/N ratio above 4 results in 20–30% of the nitrogen load being N 2 O emissions. Maximum N 2 O production at low pH (pH = 6) was observed during nitrification/denitrification and at high pH (pH = 8) during partial nitrification. High temperature enhances the denitrification kinetics but produces more Ν 2 O emissions.

Suggested Citation

  • Liana Kemmou & Elisavet Amanatidou, 2023. "Factors Affecting Nitrous Oxide Emissions from Activated Sludge Wastewater Treatment Plants—A Review," Resources, MDPI, vol. 12(10), pages 1-26, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jresou:v:12:y:2023:i:10:p:114-:d:1247319
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Marc Strous & John A. Fuerst & Evelien H. M. Kramer & Susanne Logemann & Gerard Muyzer & Katinka T. van de Pas-Schoonen & Richard Webb & J. Gijs Kuenen & Mike S. M. Jetten, 1999. "Missing lithotroph identified as new planctomycete," Nature, Nature, vol. 400(6743), pages 446-449, July.
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