Emission of greenhouse gases from sewer networks: field assessment and isotopic characterization

Highlights

● Sewer network contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.

● Branch pipes contribute a higher portion to greenhouse gas emissions.

● CH₄ is the major greenhouse gas in sewer networks.

● Most CH₄ is produced via acetate fermentation.

Abstract

Sewer networks play a vital role in sewage collection and transportation, and they are being rapidly expanded. However, the microbial processes occurring within these networks have emerged as significant contributors to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Compared to that from other sectors, our understanding of the magnitude of GHG emissions from sewer networks is currently limited. In this study, we conducted a GHG emission assessment in an independent sewer network located in Beijing, China. The findings revealed annual emissions of 62.3 kg CH₄ and 0.753 kg N₂O. CH₄ emerged as the primary GHG emitted from sewers, accounting for 87.4% of the total GHG emissions. Interestingly, compared with main pipes, branch pipes were responsible for a larger share of GHG emissions, contributing to 76.7% of the total. A GHG emission factor of 0.26 kg CO₂-eq/(m·yr) was established to quantify sewer GHG emissions. By examining the isotopic signatures of CO₂/CH₄ pairs, it was determined that CH₄ production in sewers primarily occurred through acetate fermentation. Additionally, the structure of sewer pipes had a significant impact on GHG levels. This study offers valuable insights into the overall GHG emissions associated with sewer networks and sheds light on the mechanisms driving these emissions.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

Sewer network / Greenhouse gases / Stable carbon isotopes / Methane / Nitrous oxide

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Acknowledgements

The work was financially supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China (No. 2022YFC3203202-3) and the Shenzhen Science and Technology Innovation Commission (No. KCXFZ20211020163556020).

Conflict of Interests

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Electronic Supplementary Material

Supplementary material is available in the online version of this article at https://doi.org/10.1007/s11783-024-1879-1 and is accessible for authorized users.

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