News from Douna
First N₂O day at KWR: from measurement to lower emissions
On 29 September 2026, the water sector gathered at KWR in Nieuwegein for the first N₂O day. Douna attended with the floating hood we developed with Emerson to measure nitrous oxide at wastewater treatment plants.
Nitrous oxide (N₂O) is one of wastewater treatment’s greatest climate challenges. Over a hundred years, its greenhouse effect is 273 times that of CO₂. Reducing emissions first requires reliable knowledge of how much is released, where and when.
From measurement to mitigation
That was the theme of KWR’s first N₂O day: from measurement to mitigation. Water authorities, researchers, engineering consultancies, technology suppliers and international partners shared knowledge on monitoring, process understanding, process optimisation, technical measures and policy.
The day’s main lesson: no one can solve this alone. Progress requires scientific knowledge, operational experience, technical innovation and enabling policy. Especially the step from knowledge to practice.
Our contribution: measuring at the water surface
Within the TKI-N2O consortium with KWR and Emerson, Douna developed a floating hood: a floating measurement cover of 1.5 m² that captures nitrous oxide released from the aeration tank. Connected to an Emerson Rosemount NDIR analyser, it measures emissions directly in the gas phase.
The new 2026 model weighs 125 kg, 50 kg less than its predecessor, making it easier to install and move. The hood complements liquid-phase sensors rather than replacing them: together they provide a fuller picture of what happens in the process.
Taking the next step together
We thank KWR for organising the event and all speakers and participants for the open, substantive conversations. Many participants already look forward to another edition, as do we.
Would you like to measure N₂O at your treatment plant?
Contact us.