Drones Reveal Unexpectedly High Emissions From Wastewater Treatment Plants

Drones reveal unexpectedly high emissions from wastewater treatment plants

Greenhouse gas emissions from many wastewater treatment plants may be more than twice as large as previously thought. This is shown in a new study from Linköping University, where the researchers used drones with specially manufactured sensors to measure methane and nitrous oxide emissions.

Drones reveal that wastewater plant emissions are greater than expected

Greenhouse gas emissions from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) may be more than twice as high as previously estimated, according to new research from Linköping University in Sweden. Using drones equipped with advanced sensors, scientists found that methane (CH₄) and nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions from these facilities – particularly from sludge storage – are around 2.5 times higher than international climate models suggest. The study, publishe…

Drones measure wastewater treatment plants greenhouse emissions at greater levels than official estimates

Berlin, Germany (SPX) Oct 31, 2025 Greenhouse gas emissions from many wastewater treatment plants may be more than twice as large as previously thought. A new study from Linkoping University demonstrates this using drones equipped with custom sensors to measure methane and nitrous oxide emissions. "We show that certain greenhouse gas emissions from wastewater treatment plants have been unknown. Now that we know more about t

Drone study reveals wastewater treatment plants underreport emissions by up to 250%

A new study from Linköping University using custom drones reveals that wastewater treatment plants may be emitting 2.5 times more greenhouse gases than previously thought. The unexpected spike in methane and powerful nitrous oxide comes primarily from sludge storage Researchers from Linköping University in Sweden have found that greenhouse gas emissions from many wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) may be more than twice as large as current repo…