Nitrogen flow characteristics of solid waste in China

The surge in solid waste (SW) has become major issues in the fields of public health and ecological environment fuelled by the rapid development of social economy. The fate of nitrogen contained in SW (SWN) varies with different treatment methods, which will affect the environment to varying degrees. It is of great practical and guiding significance to comprehensively evaluate the sources, fate and its cascading effects of SWN. Here, a systematic SWN flow evaluation of the generation, treatment and emissions in China from 2008 to 2017 was established. During this period, the SWN flow and the N pollution emissions from SW treatment increased by 19.7% and 27.6% respectively, with the domestic garbage being the largest contributor. This shows that it is particularly important to reinforce the classified of domestic garbage and resource recycling in China. Landfill was the main treatment, accounting for 51.8% of the total SWN. Landfill and incineration were the main sources of pollution N emissions, while compost treatment has the lowest contribution rate. It highlights the urgency of changing the waste treatment methods in China. About 92.3% of the N pollution emissions was lost to the atmosphere and 7.7% to the groundwater. NH3 and NOx were the main pollutants to the atmosphere. Special attention is paid to the reduction and control of NH3 in landfill, dumping and compost processes, while NOx in incineration. This study provides scientific basis for management and disposal of SW, so as to reduce its impact on the ecological environment and develop more sustainable policies for China and other developing countries. [Display omitted] •Domestic garbage was the largest contributor for solid waste nitrogen generation.•Landfill was the main treatment method for solid waste treatment in China.•NH3 and NOx were the main pollutants during the treatment process of solid waste.•Landfill and incineration were the main sources of pollution N emissions.