METHANE EMISSIONS FROM MUNICIPAL WASTE-WATER TREATMENT PROCESSES

Methane and carbon dioxide emissions from primary and secondary wastew ater treatment processes were measured from mid-winter to summer condi tions in Durham, NH. A statistically significant positive relationship between gas flux and wastewater temperature was determined for methan e and carbon dioxide in both the aerated and nonaerated areas of the g rit tanks. Statistical correlations to temperature measured in a secon dary aeration tank were marginal for methane and insignificant for car bon dioxide. Emission factors derived from our measurements were 39 g of CH4 person-1 year-1 and 35 698 g Of CO2 person-1 year-1 for primary and secondary activated sludge treatment processes.