REEXAMINING THE GREENHOUSE EFFECT OF SEPTIC TANK: EVIEW AND PROSPECTS

TANG Baiyang; XUAN Gan; YANG Shiyao; LIU Weijing; XUE Zhaoxia; CAO Jiashun; LUO Jingyang; FENG Qian

doi:10.13205/j.hjgc.202307003

Volume 41 Issue 7

Jul. 2023

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Article Navigation > ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING > 2023 > 41(7): 14-21

TANG Baiyang, XUAN Gan, YANG Shiyao, LIU Weijing, XUE Zhaoxia, CAO Jiashun, LUO Jingyang, FENG Qian. REEXAMINING THE GREENHOUSE EFFECT OF SEPTIC TANK: EVIEW AND PROSPECTS[J]. ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING , 2023, 41(7): 14-21. doi: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202307003

Citation:

TANG Baiyang, XUAN Gan, YANG Shiyao, LIU Weijing, XUE Zhaoxia, CAO Jiashun, LUO Jingyang, FENG Qian. REEXAMINING THE GREENHOUSE EFFECT OF SEPTIC TANK: EVIEW AND PROSPECTS[J]. ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING , 2023, 41(7): 14-21. doi: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202307003

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REEXAMINING THE GREENHOUSE EFFECT OF SEPTIC TANK: EVIEW AND PROSPECTS

doi: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202307003

TANG Baiyang^1,2,
XUAN Gan^1,2,
YANG Shiyao^1,2,
LIU Weijing³,
XUE Zhaoxia^1,2,
CAO Jiashun^1,2,
LUO Jingyang^1,2,
FENG Qian^{1,2
,
,}

1. Key Laboratory of Comprehensive Management and Resource Development of Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China;
2. College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China;
3. Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Engineering, Jiangsu Provincial Academy of Environmental Science, Nanjing 210036, China

Received Date: 2023-04-09

Abstract

Abstract

As a key primary wastewater treatment unit, septic tanks significantly contribute to the carbon emissions of wastewater systems due to the production of greenhouse gases, such as large amounts of methane (CH₄) and some nitrous oxide (N₂O) from anaerobic reactions. Many studies are therefore calling for the phasing out of septic tanks, but few studies explore the greenhouse effect of septic tanks in-depth and comprehensively. In fact, a review of the greenhouse effect of septic tanks could help point the way to the future of septic tanks. The review shows that there is considerable spatial and temporal variability in both CH₄ and N₂O emissions from septic tanks, and that the actual N₂O emissions need to be further verified; the indirect carbon emissions from routine maintenance and emptying and the potential impact of septic tank removal on subsequent systems in terms of carbon emissions are still worthy of further analysis, from an LCA carbon perspective. In terms of specific greenhouse gas emission capacity, due to the different functions of septic tanks in China and abroad, the domestic estimate is about 8.3 g CH₄/(cap·d), lower than the 11.0 g CH₄/(cap·d) commonly estimated abroad. Finally, in terms of the shortcomings of the current research, there are generally significant parameter uncertainties and regional heterogeneity in the estimation and accounting studies, and there is a temporary "gap" in the field monitoring studies in China, as well as a lack of online monitoring, resulting in the spatial and temporal variability of greenhouse gases not being described in detail. In this regard, there is an urgent need for extensive monitoring and accounting of septic tanks in China to clarify the phasing out of septic tanks.
- septic tank,
- greenhouse effect,
- carbon emission,
- methane,
- nitrous oxide

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References(27)

References

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