Designs of monitoring locations and case studies

“This chapter presents a practical, top-down three-level framework (L1–L3) for selecting representative nitrous oxide monitoring locations in uncovered wastewater treatment plants. The approach systematically distinguishes sludge systems (L1), parallel versus non-parallel bioreactors (L2), and spatial heterogeneity within reactors (L3), supported by a decision-making tree and equations for plant-wide emission aggregation. The methodology is demonstrated using 19 full-scale international case studies, covering 12 typical configurations applied in practice: conventional activated sludge, step-feed, modified Ludzack Ettinger, Bardenpho, oxidation ditch, sequencing batch reactors (including aerobic granular sludge), membrane bioreactors/membrane aerated biofilm reactors, Modified University of Cape Town (MUCT), integrated fixed-film activated sludge, biofilters (biological aerated filter/Biostyr®), side-stream treatment systems, and other hybrid or site-specific designs. These cases illustrate how process configuration, aeration control, and spatial variability govern monitoring requirements and data representativeness. Practical lessons learned during implementation of monitoring campaigns are also highlighted across multiple case studies.”

(Citation: Aucote, S., Clos, I., de Heer, F., Domingo-Felez, C., Duan, H., et.al. – Designs of monitoring locations and case studies – In: Designs of monitoring locations and case studies – Editors: Ye, L., Gruber, W., Duan, H., Domingo-Felez, C. (2026) IWA Publishing – https://doi.org/10.2166/9781789065589_0057 – (Open Access))

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