NEW ITEMS IN THE NBMA RESOURCE LIBRARY
Biosolids GHG 1040 EZ
February 2011
TITLE: Calculator tool for determining greenhouse gas emissions for biosolids processing and
end use
Author: Brown, S., N. Beecher, and A. Carpenter
Source: Environ. Sci. & Techno. 2010 44:9509-15
Abstract: A greenhouse gas (GHG) calculator tool (Biosolids Emissions Assessment Model, BEAM) was developed for the Canadian
Council of Ministers of the Environment to allow municipalities to estimate GHG emissions from biosolids management. The tool was
developed using data from peer reviewed literature and municipalities. GHG emissions from biosolids processing through final end
use/disposal were modeled. Emissions from nine existing programs in Canada were estimated using the model. The program that
involved dewatering followed by combustion resulted in the highest GHG emissions (Mg CO2e 100 Mg-1 biosolids (dry wt.). The
programs that had digestion followed by land application resulted in the lowest emissions (-26 and -23 Mg CO2e 100 Mg-1 biosolids (dry
wt.). Transportation had relatively minor effects on overall emissions. The greatest areas of uncertainty in the model include N2O
emissions from land application and biosolids processing. The model suggests that targeted use of biosolids and optimizing processes to
avoid CH4 and N2O emissions can result in significant GHG savings.
Document#: BIN.TP.GHG.5.6
TITLE: Influence of anaerobic digestion on the carbon footprint of various sewage sludge
treatment options
Author: Barber, W.
Source: Water and Environment J. 2009, 23:170-179
Abstract: This paper describes the results of a model set up to determine carbon footprints for sludge treatment solutions with and
without standard or advanced anaerobic digestion. Complete and 'gate' (up to the point the sludge leaves the sewage works gate)
footprints were calculated. The lowest carbon footprints corresponded with advanced digestion options, which reduced downstream
energy and transport (hence carbon) requirements regardless of the endpoint of the sludge. The lowest complete carbon footprint
solution coincided with advanced digestion, followed by drying with energy recovery. However, this option had the highest gate carbon
footprint. In terms of gate carbon footprint, land application of an advanced digested sludge cake had the smallest footprint, followed by
land application of dried pellets and finally incineration..
Document#: BIN.TP.GHG.5.7
TITLE: Assessing the impacts of changes in treatment technology on energy and greenhouse
gas balances for organic waste and wastewater treatment using historical data
Author: Poulsen, T.G. and J. A. Hansen
Source: Waste Manag. Res. 2009, 27, 861- 870.
Abstract: Historical data on organic waste and wastewater treatment during the period of 1970—2020 were used to assess the impact
of treatment on energy and greenhouse gas (GHG) balances. The assessment included the waste fractions: Sewage sludge, food waste,
yard waste and other organic waste (paper, plastic, etc.). Data were collected from Aalborg, a municipality located in Northern
Denmark. During the period from 1970—2005, Aalborg Municipality has changed its waste treatment strategy from landfilling of all
wastes toward composting of yard waste and incineration with combined heat and power production from the remaining organic
municipal waste. Wastewater treatment has changed from direct discharge of untreated wastewater to full organic matter and nutrient
(N, P) removal combined with anaerobic digestion of the sludge for biogas production with power and heat generation. These changes in
treatment technology have resulted in the waste and wastewater treatment systems in Aalborg progressing from being net consumers of
energy and net emitters of GHG, to becoming net producers of energy and net savers of GHG emissions (due to substitution of fossil
fuels elsewhere). If it is assumed that the organic waste quantity and composition is the same in 1970 and 2005, the technology change
over this time period has resulted in a progression from a net annual GHG emission of 200 kg CO 2-eq. capita—1 in 1970 to a net
saving of 170 kg CO2-eq. capita—1 in 2005 for management of urban organic wastes.
Document#: BIN.TP.GHG.5.8
TITLE: Fugitive greenhouse gas emissions from wastewater systems
Author: Foley, J. and P. Lant
Source: http://www.wsaa.asn.au
To request information or documents, please contact Sally Brown via e-mail: [email protected] or
phone: (206) 616-1299.
Abstract: Quantifying fugitive emissions from wastewater systems is an area of uncertainty for the industry, with less developed and
less reliable methodologies. The purpose of this project is to review the existing methodologies and scientific literature on fugitive
methane and nitrous oxide emissions from wastewater systems. Further areas of research are identified, where the existing guidelines
and literature are insufficient for WSAA to provide sound guidance to their members. This study also defines the relative importance of
fugitive emissions, compared to emissions from energy usage in wastewater systems and other economic sectors. Finally, an interim
draft methodology for fugitive greenhouse gas emissions from Australian wastewater systems is proposed for consideration by the
AGO.
Document#: BIN.TP.GHG.5.9
TITLE: Greenhouse gas production: A comparison between aerobic and anaerobic wastewater
treatment technology
Author: Cakir, F.Y., and M.K. Stenstrom
Source: Water Research. 2005 39:4197-4203
Abstract: Anaerobic wastewater treatment offers improved energy conservation with potential reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
Pitfalls exist in that the methane produced in anaerobic treatment can offset any reductions in carbon dioxide emissions, if it is released
to the environment. This paper analyzes greenhouse gas emissions from both aerobic and anaerobic treatment systems, including sludge
digestion and the losses of dissolved methane in digested biosolids and process effluents. There exists cross over points, ranging from
300 to 700 mg/L influent wastewater BODu, which are functions of the efficiency of the aerobic treatment system. Anaerobic treatment
becomes favorable when treating influents higher in concentrations than the cross over values. A technology to recover dissolved
methane would make anaerobic treatment favorable at nearly all influent strengths.
Document#: BIN.TP.GHG.5.10