Activating specific N2O production pathways to understand emission dynamics in wastewater treatment
Water Research | Published on 3/17/2026
Nitrous oxide emissions in wastewater treatment are dominated by nitrifier and heterotrophic denitrification, and this study shows how to separate and measure each pathway under full‑scale conditions. By controlling ammonium, nitrite, dissolved oxygen, COD, and pH, researchers isolated the pathways and found the hydroxylamine route to be negligible. Low DO increased both pathways but especially nitrifier denitrification, while higher organics and lower pH amplified heterotrophic denitrification. These insights create a clearer framework for targeted N₂O mitigation strategies.