Municipal wastewater treatment plants account for up to 2.5% of global carbon emissions, primarily from biogenic emissions during the breakdown of organic carbon. However, these plants also present a unique opportunity to capture and sequester carbon at scale using natural minerals like calcium carbonate. This approach not only improves the sustainability of wastewater treatment but also offers a measurable, cost-effective solution for carbon dioxide removal (CDR). 

In this presentation, we will explore how adding calcium carbonate to activated sludge processes can enhance wastewater treatment operations. This method stabilizes pH, buffers alkalinity, and boosts biological processes, resulting in improved floc formation, reduced hydraulic retention time, and better sludge volume index and dewaterability. 

By integrating carbon dioxide removal with wastewater management, we present an innovative way to address climate challenges while simultaneously improving operational efficiency and creating synergies in wastewater treatment processes.