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Guide to monitoring nitrous oxide process emissions in wastewater: Lessons from an ongoing monitoring programme in Enniscorthy wastewater treatment plant in Ireland
Rodrigues, Bernardete Dalton, Chloe
Rodrigues, Bernardete
Dalton, Chloe
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Publication Date
2026-01
Type
report
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Citation
Rodrigues, Bernardete, Dalton, Chloe, & Clifford, Eoghan. (2026). Guide to monitoring nitrous oxide process emissions in wastewater: Lessons from an ongoing monitoring programme in Enniscorthy wastewater treatment plant in Ireland. Galway: University of Galway and Ward and Burke Construction Limited. https://hdl.handle.net/10379/19426
Abstract
Water Resource Recovery Facilities (WRRFs) (commonly also referred to as wastewater treatment plants) face increasing pressure to balance operational and treatment efficiency with environmental sustainability, while reducing emissions. With a 100-year global warming potential approximately 273 times greater that of carbon dioxide (CO₂), nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions contribute substantially to the carbon footprint of the sector. N2O emission quantitation poses a challenge due given the seasonal variability of emissions that are also largely site-specific and particularly dependent on environmental/operational conditions. As the sector shifts towards net zero emissions, the need for accurate, long-term monitoring of N₂O coupled with other process parameters has become increasingly crucial. Unlike short-term monitoring, which may miss seasonal or operational trends, long-term, continuous data collection provides a robust basis for emissions quantification and process optimisation by capturing these variations, validating mitigation strategies, and ensuring data reliability. Such monitoring can also enable the development of regional emission factors which can be applied to treatment plants with similar characteristics where direct measurement is not possible. This guide, aims to provide clear, actionable guidelines for the implementation of long-term monitoring campaigns that align with sustainability goals and regulatory demands of the water sector. The guide draws from nitrous oxide monitoring campaigns in Ireland led by Ward & Burke Construction Ltd. and the University of Galway and incorporates best practices, technical recommendations, and lessons learned from international research and industry/utility experience.
Publisher
University of Galway and Ward and Burke Construction Limited
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CC BY-NC-ND