Maximizing eco-environmental gains

Exploring underground wastewater treatment plants in Beijing for sustainable urban water management

Journal article (2024)

Authors

Lujing Zhang China Water Environmental Group Limited
Yuchen Hu Beijing Institute of Technology
Peng Li China Water Environmental Group Limited
Renke Wei Chinese Academy of Sciences
Hongtao Pang China Water Environmental Group Limited
M.K. de Kreuk Water Management
Shen Qu Beijing Institute of Technology
K.L. Lam Duke Kunshan University
Walter van der Meer University of Twente, Oasen
G. Liu Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanitary Engineering - CEG
Department
Water Management
Carbon emission reduction City expansion In situ sinking Underground wastewater treatment plant Wastewater management system
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Published Date

2024

Language

English

Department

Water Management

Abstract

This study assessed the evolution of wastewater systems during the rapid urbanization of Beijing, with special focuses on the carbon footprints and growing underground WWTPs (u-WWTPs). Specifically, the Bishui plant (in situ constructed u-WWTP) was assessed in detail regarding eco-environmental benefits. Our results showed that, the direct emission intensity of 65 WWTPs decreased from 0.47 to 0.24 kg CO2eq/m3, when the electricity intensity increased from 0.22 to 0.39 kWh/m3 from 2010 to 2020. Bishui u-WWTP emitted 36.6 kt CO2eq/year (0.09 kg CO2eq/m3), with electricity intensity of 0.43 kg CO2eq/m3. Additionally, compare to the hypothetical relocating scenario, it saved 6.67 × 104 m2 land and 33.0 kt CO2eq/year, and the created urban river carries 6.5 × 1013 J/year heat outside town. The evaluation and balance of choice for conventional or underground WWTP should be made case by case. However, this study demonstrated that u-WWTP is not only a construction manner, but a sustainable management model with positive eco-environment effects, algin with future city expansion, and circular economy visions.