Story perspectives

Study Reveals U.S. Wastewater Plants Double Emission Estimates

10/12/2025

50 7

Summary

Story summary

The Princeton-led study finds U.S. wastewater plants emit about 2.5% of national methane and 8.1% of nitrous oxide, nearly double EPA estimates.
Researchers measured emissions from 96 plants over 14 months with a mobile lab, showing variability due to weather and plant age.
Targeting a small number of high-emission plants could substantially reduce total emissions.
The findings urge improved management and suggest economic benefits from capturing methane as renewable energy.

1 of 1

Story summary

The Princeton-led study finds U.S. wastewater plants emit about 2.5% of national methane and 8.1% of nitrous oxide, nearly double EPA estimates.
Researchers measured emissions from 96 plants over 14 months with a mobile lab, showing variability due to weather and plant age.
Targeting a small number of high-emission plants could substantially reduce total emissions.
The findings urge improved management and suggest economic benefits from capturing methane as renewable energy.