Greenhouse gas emissions from wastewater treatment plants

Information on our research projects on greenhouse gas emissions from wastewater treatment plants (WWTP).

Determination of the impact of N-cycling microbial communities on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs)

Wastewater treatment plants play a critical role in the management of nitrogen compounds, but they also contribute to significant GHG emissions, particularly nitrous oxide (N2O). Despite the importance of these emissions, the specific contributions of nitrogen-cycling microbial communities to GHG dynamics remain poorly understood. This project aims to determine hydrochemical parameters in wastewater, including concentrations of NH4+, NO3-, NO2-, N2O, and N2, as well as the activity of nitrogen-cycling microbial communities. Using qPCR, RT-qPCR, and next-generation sequencing, we will quantify and characterize key genes involved in denitrification and nitrification processes. By correlating these patterns with the operation conditions at the WWTPs we will develop strategies for mitigating N2O emissions in wastewater management. Our findings aim to elucidate the interactions between hydrogeochemical conditions and microbial activity, ultimately providing insights into how these processes affect GHG emissions from WWTPs.

Researchers involved in the project:

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