Ultra-broadband coherent open-path spectroscopy for multi-gas monitoring in wastewater treatment
Wastewater treatment plants significantly contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, including nitrous oxide (N2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), and methane (CH4). Current methods to measure these emissions typically target specific molecular compounds, providing limited scope and potentially incomplete emiss...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Elsevier
2025-05-01
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| Series: | Environmental Science and Ecotechnology |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666498425000328 |
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| Summary: | Wastewater treatment plants significantly contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, including nitrous oxide (N2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), and methane (CH4). Current methods to measure these emissions typically target specific molecular compounds, providing limited scope and potentially incomplete emissions profiles. Here, we show an innovative ultra-broadband coherent open-path spectroscopy (COPS) system capable of simultaneously monitoring multiple greenhouse gases. This novel approach combines Fourier transform spectroscopy with a coherent, ultra-broadband mid-infrared light source spanning 2–11.5 μm at approximately 3 W power. Positioned above an aeration tank, the COPS system selectively detected absorption signatures for CH4, CO2, N2O, ammonia (NH3), carbon monoxide (CO), and water vapor (H2O), enabling real-time, path-integrated concentration measurements with a temporal resolution of 40 s. Elevated concentrations of CH4 and CO2 were clearly identified within emission plumes traversing the beam path above the aeration tank. Additionally, CH4 emission patterns closely tracked variations in ammonium loading from incoming wastewater, whereas CO2 emissions correlated strongly with oxygen concentrations introduced during aeration. Measurements of N2O, NH3, and CO were stable and aligned closely with traditional point-based measurements from commercial gas analyzers. Our findings demonstrate that COPS offers a robust, comprehensive solution for the simultaneous real-time monitoring of multiple gases in complex and heterogeneous emission environments. This capability significantly enhances atmospheric and industrial emission assessments, potentially transforming the approach to emissions quantification and environmental management. |
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| ISSN: | 2666-4984 |