Advanced assessment of Sulfide and Methane emissions from sewers of Mediterranean cities

Production and build-up of sulfide and methane in wastewater collections systems cause several detrimental effects including odour nuisance, health hazards due to its toxicity and corrosion of pipes and inlet structures of sewage treatment plants. On the other hand methane is a greenhouse gas significantly contributing to global warming. Despite these major impacts, sewer-produced sulfide and methane are yet to be considered in the management of Mediterranean Urban Water Systems. This work aims to study the production of sulfide and methane from combined sewers exposed to Mediterranean climate conditions. The study methodology combines extensive experimental work on real sewers with advanced mathematical modelling. The objective is to carry out the first combined quantification of sulfide and methane from Mediterranean sewers and also to provide advanced management tools that include control of sewer emissions for optimal operation of urban water systems. Initial monitoring results and future tasks are presented.