Wastewater treatment, greenhouse gas emissions, and our environment

The reclamation and reuse of wastewater is a vital process that helps to address water pollution and scarcity problems. Nevertheless, wastewater treatment is also a significant source of greenhouse gases (methane, carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide). Methane, the most significant greenhouse gas is majorly emitted during anaerobic process, carbon dioxide from aerobic processes while nitrous oxide is associated with nitrification and denitrification processes. The increase in the level of these greenhouse gases is the main cause of global warming and climate change and has resulted in change in weather patterns, severe weather events, habitat loss and loss of wildlife. The adjusting of operating conditions, conversion of methane to fuel for energy production, carbon dioxide capturing are some highlighted methods to minimize the release of these heat-trapping gases from wastewater treatment plants. Also, methods of monitoring these GHG as well as the direct and indirect effects of climate change on the management of wastewater are also discussed in this review.