Greenhouse gas emission from non-sewered sanitation (Bangladesh)

This research assessed the greenhouse gas emission quantification from different attributes of sanitation service chain in Faridpur city, Bangladesh and investigated the potential of climate change adaptation and mitigation of the city. Methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O) and carbon dioxide (CO2) were quantified from the faecal sludge containment, emptying and transport, and treatment. A field analysis was carried out on the current state of sanitation infrastructure and service chains in Faridpur city which helped to assess the greenhouse gases emissions and quantification from different components of the sanitation service chain. Existing condition of the sanitation service chain revealed approximately 8,845 tones CO2 equivalents (CO2e) per year GHG emission for Faridpur city (note: the emission of 1 kg of N2O and 1 kg of CH4 equals 298 kg and 25 kg of CO2e, respectively). This study also showed that greenhouse gas emission can be minimized by improving containment systems, optimizing emptying and transportation to the treatment plant, and increasing the treatment capacity. The characteristics of GHG emission has been presented in a novel dynamic flow model (GHG flow diagram) for better situational analysis and visualization. A complementary GHG dashboard was also proposed for future studies in different cities with objective to serve as a planning tool for city planners and decision makers dealing with non-sewered sanitation service management.