"Nitrous oxide, a 273 times more noxious greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide, is emitted during wastewater treatment and contributes significantly to global warming. By utilising advanced mathematical modelling coupled with real-world data, I aspire to develop effective techniques for mitigating nitrous oxide emissions from Scottish wastewater treatment technologies."

Bilal Shariq is a Hydro Nation Scholar and PhD student at the University of Glasgow.

Nitrous oxide (N₂O), a potent greenhouse gas with a warming potential 273 times stronger than CO₂ and a longer atmospheric lifetime of 114 years, significantly contributes to climate change and ozone depletion. To mitigate climate change and achieve Scotland's net-zero target, reducing N₂O emissions is crucial. This requires accurate quantification and innovative mitigation strategies for anthropogenic N₂O sources. Wastewater treatment (WwT) plants are a major source, accounting for 3.2% of global anthropogenic N₂O emissions and 86% of their carbon footprint.

Bilal’s research focuses on reducing N₂O emissions from WwT works. By developing a state-of-the-art biokinetic N₂O estimation model and conducting field measurements at selected Scottish WwT works, his research aims to quantify and more accurately predict local N₂O footprints, identify high-emission hotspots, and inform the development of targeted mitigation strategies. His research will contribute to Scottish Government’s Hydro Nation strategy and provide global insights to reduce Scope 1 emissions from the water industry.

Prior to starting his PhD, Bilal obtained a first-class MSc in Chemical Engineering from Politecnico di Milano, Italy. He holds a BTech (Hons) degree in Chemical Engineering from Aligarh Muslim University, India.

Email: 2951593s@student.gla.ac.uk

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/bilal-shariq-bs19970bs