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Methane Emissions from Aerated Zones in a Full-Scale Nitrifying Activated Sludge Treatment Plant

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Abstract

Methane (CH4) formation in wastewater treatment is linked to long residence times under anaerobic conditions such as those in sewers and primary treatment units. Emissions of this methane to the atmosphere can occur under turbulent flows and, potentially, during aeration in an activated sludge plant. An online, 8-week monitoring campaign of CH4 emissions and operational conditions was conducted to study emissions from a full-scale nitrifying activated sludge plant (ASP). Significant emissions were found throughout the aerated lane, with the highest values observed two thirds down the lane. Emissions had high diurnal and spatial variability, with values ranging from 0.3 to 24 g CH4/h. No significant correlations were found between dissolved oxygen, aeration or influent loads. The results suggest that emissions are linked to upstream process conditions, with potential for methane generation in-lane due periods of limited oxygen availability. The dynamic oxygen profile observed suggests that aerobic and anoxic conditions coexist in the lane, leading to limited oxygen diffusion from the bulk liquid to the inner regions of the floc where anoxic/anaerobic layers may allow methanogenic microorganisms to survive. The average emission factor was 0.07 % of removed chemical oxygen demand, giving a total of 668 kg CH4/year and 14,000 CO2 equivalents/year. The operational carbon associated with the energy requirements of the ASP increased by 5 %. With emerging legislation requiring the reporting of greenhouse gas emissions, the carbon impact may be significant, particularly as the industry moves towards a carbon-reducing future. Therefore, an adequate profiling of full-scale emissions is critical for future proofing existing treatment technologies.

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Acknowledgments

The authors gratefully thank Severn Trent Water for funding this research through a PhD sponsorship and for the helpful support of the operations team at the Sewage Treatment Works in facilitating the field work.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Cranfield Water Science Institute, School of Applied Sciences, Cranfield University, College Road, Cranfield, Bedfordshire, MK43 0AL, UK

    Amina Aboobakar, Elise Cartmell & Gabriela Dotro

  2. Waste Water Research and Development, Severn Trent Water, Severn Trent Centre, 2 St John’s Street, Coventry, Warwickshire, CV1 2SN, UK

    Mark Jones, Peter Vale & Gabriela Dotro

Authors
  1. Amina Aboobakar
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  2. Mark Jones
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  3. Peter Vale
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  4. Elise Cartmell
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  5. Gabriela Dotro
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Correspondence to Gabriela Dotro.

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Aboobakar, A., Jones, M., Vale, P. et al. Methane Emissions from Aerated Zones in a Full-Scale Nitrifying Activated Sludge Treatment Plant. Water Air Soil Pollut 225, 1814 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11270-013-1814-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11270-013-1814-8

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