ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT: Analysis of the literature data allows for the identification of the most important factors or operating parameters leading to N2O emission. Our literature review characterises emissions of nitrous oxide from anthropogenic contaminations, especially from WWTPs: identifies the biological processes (nitrification and denitrification) and influencing factors or operating parameters responsible for N2O creation (dissolved oxygen, nitrite concentration, COD:N ratio, pH) and seeks to encourage a better understanding of the mechanisms of N2O formation. This review provides advice and recommends that a strategy to avoid N2O emission must consider nitrifier denitrification by ammonium-oxidising bacteria, hydroxylamine oxidation as well as heterotrophic denitrification. We also review the N2O measurement techniques currently in use.
