Publications

How can we reduce the environmental and economic costs of wastewater treatment? The recent study, presented at the 41st IAHR World Congress in Singapore, July 2025, explores the use of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to evaluate the impact of control measures at a full-scale wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). Led by Sailaja Poudel, Sean Mulligan, and Eoghan Clifford, the research reveals that operational phases, especially energy-intensive systems like aeration, are the primary drivers of emissions and energy costs. The findings underscore the importance of integrating efficient monitoring and process control systems (e.g., ACET framework Tier 2 or 3) during the design and construction stages. By doing so, the cost of compliance can be significantly reduced, paving the way for more sustainable wastewater infrastructure. Find more information here: https://www.iahr.org/library/infor?pid=37238

ACET continues to contribute to climate action within the water sector, exemplified by the recent IWA white paper Climate Smart Utilities: Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Water Resource Recovery Facilities. This paper, co-authored by Eoghan Clifford, provides essential guidance for utilities and practitioners on accurately accounting for and reducing greenhouse gas emissions at water resource recovery facilities (WRRFs). As global efforts intensify to limit warming to 1.5°C, the paper underscores the importance of life cycle carbon accounting and comprehensive emissions reporting within wastewater sector management. It represents the first in a series focused on GHG monitoring and mitigation, reflecting the commitment to advancing sustainable and climate-smart solutions in water infrastructure. The collaboration with international experts and the IWA Climate Smart Utilities Initiative highlights the urgency and relevance of this research to global climate goals. Download available here: https://www.iwa-network.org/publications/greenhouse-gas-emissions-and-wwrfs

Our team of researchers has recently published an article in Engineer Ireland, delving into the potential of real-time control (RTC) strategies for energy savings in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). The article highlights the current energy consumption challenges faced by WWTPs and emphasises the need for improved control systems to optimise operations and reduce energy wastage. The research  presented in the article provides valuable insights for engineers and professionals in the field, highlighting the potential of RTC strategies to revolutionise energy savings and improve overall performance in WWTPs. Available at: https://www.engineersireland.ie/Engineers-Journal/Civil/real-time-control-progressing-towards-energy-neutrality-in-wastewater-treatment-plants-through-energy-efficient-practices