Abstract
Achieving net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is a major challenge of the 21st century. Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are essential for protecting public health and the environment, yet they remain energy-intensive systems and can be significant sources of GHG emissions. In many facilities, emissions associated with nitrogen removal - particularly nitrous oxide (N₂O) - account for a substantial share of the overall climate footprint. At the same time, conventional treatment configurations also limit the recovery of energy from wastewater.
This doctoral research project develops and validates an integrated concept to support WWTPs in progressing toward climate-neutral operation while maintaining reliable treatment performance, even under the more stringent conditions imposed by the revised European urban wastewater treatment directive. The project combines enhanced recovery of energy from organics and improved, carbon-lean nitrogen removal (using a combination of partial nitrification/denitratation/anammox termed PaNDA), supported by monitoring and control approaches suited to real operational conditions. Expected benefits and trade-offs are assessed through process modelling, environmental and economic evaluation, and experimental validation from lab to pilot scale. Key outcomes include evidence-based guidance for utilities on reducing energy demand, lowering GHG emissions -particularly N₂O - and improving overall sustainability performance under mainstream wastewater treatment conditions. The project aims to develop a robust pathway for transitioning to climate-friendly water infrastructure and operations.
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