Carbon reduction strategies in the green transition of wastewater treatment plants

Wastewater treatment plants(WWTPs) are confronted with challenges such as high energy consumption,significant carbon emissions, and resource wastage, which have become major bottlenecks limiting the sustainable development of the industry. The core of green transformation lies in promoting efficient recovery and utilization of resources and energy, as well as exploring innovative low-carbon operational models. This study systematically analyzed the carbon emission characteristics of WWTPs and proposed a multi-dimensional carbon reduction strategy. These strategies included the development of high-efficiency biofilm systems, optimization of operational parameters,selection of low-energy treatment processes, adoption of energy-efficient equipment, implementation of intelligent control systems, and promotion of carbon neutrality measures. Based on these strategies, a technical path was developed that aligned carbon reduction goals with the need for process upgrading. Future research should focus on three main directions: establishing standardized systems for carbon emission accounting and evaluation, promoting large-scale engineering applications of low-carbon technologies such as prtial nitrification/anaerobic ammonium oxidation(PD/Anammox) and anaerobic-oxic-anoxic(AOA) processes, and achieving systematic integration and industrial-scale implementation of resource recovery technologies.