Due to regular influx of organic matter and nutrients, waste stabilization ponds (WSPs) can release considerable quantities of greenhouse gases (GHGs). To investigate the spatiotemporal variations of GHG emissions from WSPs with a focus on the effects of sludge accumulation and distribution, we conducted a bathymetry survey and two sampling campaigns in Ucubamba WSP (Cuenca, Ecuador). The results indicated that spatial variation of GHG emissions was strongly dependent on sludge distribution. Thick sludge layers in aerated ponds and facultative ponds caused substantial CO₂ and CH₄ emissions which accounted for 21.3% and 78.7% of the total emissions from the plant. Conversely, the prevalence of anoxic conditions stimulated the N₂O consumption via complete denitrification leading to a net uptake from the atmosphere, i.e. up to 1.4±0.2 mg-N m⁻² d⁻¹. Double emission rates of CO₂ were found in the facultative and maturation ponds during the day compared to night-time emissions, indicating the important role of algal respiration, while no diel variation of the CH₄ and N₂O emissions was found. Despite the uptake of N₂O, the total GHG emissions of the WSP was higher than constructed wetlands and conventional centralized wastewater treatment facilities. Hence, it is recommended that sludge management with proper desludging regulation should be included as an important mitigation measure to reduce the carbon footprint of pond treatment facilities.

由于有机物质和养分的定期流入，废物稳定池（WSP）会释放大量温室气体（GHG）。为了调查污水处理厂的温室气体排放的时空变化，重点是污泥积累和分布的影响，我们在Ucubamba污水处理厂（昆卡，厄瓜多尔）进行了水深测量调查和两次采样活动。结果表明，温室气体排放的空间变化强烈取决于污泥的分布。曝气池和兼性池中较厚的污泥层导致大量的CO ₂和CH ₄排放，分别占工厂总排放的21.3％和78.7％。相反，缺氧条件的流行刺激了N ₂通过完全反硝化而消耗的O导致从大气中净吸收，即高达1.4±0.2 mg-N m ^-2 d ^-1。与夜间排放相比，白天在兼性和成熟池中发现的CO ₂排放速率是夜间排放的两倍，这表明藻类呼吸具有重要作用，而没有发现CH ₄和N ₂ O排放的变化。尽管吸收了N ₂O，水安全计划的温室气体总排放量高于人工湿地和传统的集中式废水处理设施。因此，建议将污泥管理和适当的除污法规包括在内，作为减少池塘处理设施碳足迹的重要缓解措施。