13. Sequencing Batch Reactor Technique for Municipal Sewage Treatment with Carbon Credits

Sequencing batch reactor is a developing technology in wastewater treatment for municipal sewage and industrial effluent. Aerobic process treatment generates significant amount of greenhouse gases mainly carbon dioxide (CO₂) and nitrous oxide (N₂O). Reduction of GHG emissions is a significant role in wastewater treatment. The greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from wastewater treatment is a significant consideration for the treatment process evaluation. In the present work, the direct and indirect emissions from a single-stage sequencing batch (SBR) deammonification plant for nitrogen elimination from sludge liquor are calculated based on measurements and construction documentation. The results show that N₂O is responsible for most CO₂ emissions, followed by energy consumption and construction and machinery, but significant amounts can be saved in mainstream treatment. The present work reveals that there is a need for the development of less GHG emitting process configurations. In this paper, an attempt has been made to evaluate the GHGs for municipal wastewater (mainly CO₂ and N₂O) with SBR technology for carbon credits approach. The analysed results are compared in a detailed manner. Neutral and negative carbon footprint has been widely discussed and investigated.