Comparative analysis of Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Biological Wastewater Treatment Processes: A Case Study in Gyeongsangbuk-do, Korea

Abstract

Objectives:This study compared greenhouse gas emissions from various biological treatment processes at wastewater treatment plants in City A, Gyeongsangbuk-do. Methods:Four wastewater treatment plants were selected by size and treatment process, and flow rate and water quality parameters from 2020 to 2022 were used. The amount of greenhouse gases such as methane, nitrous oxide, and carbon dioxide generated was calculated according to the IPCC and Ministry of Environment calculation formulas. Results and Discussion:Regardless of the biological wastewater treatment processes, the greenhouse gas emissions of all plants were higher according to the Ministry of Environment standards than the IPCC method. However, this may be because it was not applied to variables that are difficult to confirm, such as correction coefficients. Among biological treatment processes, the greenhouse gas emissions of A2O were higher than those of SBR.Conclusion:The results of this study can be used to calculate greenhouse gas emissions from biological wastewater treatment processes and prepare their reduction plans.