1
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Boniardi G, Close K, Turolla A, Canziani R, Oehmen A. Assessment of three different approaches for integrating phosphorus recovery from sewage sludge and derived products in existing wastewater treatment plants. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2024; 402:130822. [PMID: 38729582 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2024.130822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Three different technological solutions, namely acidogenic fermentation and chemical extraction (alkaline or acidic), followed by precipitation with 1% Ca(OH)2, were investigated in the view of integrating phosphorus recovery into existing wastewater treatment plants. Experiments were conducted at the lab-scale using (i) sludge taken from biologically and chemically promoted phosphorus removal activated sludge processes and (ii) ashes obtained from sludge muffle incineration. Results highlighted the benefits of enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR) systems rather than chemically promoted phosphorus removal in not only phosphorus extraction (up to 40% with EBPR) and recovery directly from secondary sludge (P precipitation between 66 and 92%), but after sludge incineration as well (P extraction up to 96% and precipitation above 96%). Acidogenic fermentation ensured the highest phosphorus release from EBPR sludge (equal to a concentration in solution of 122 mg/L P-PO43-), while the derived ashes had a lower level of metal contamination (particularly Fe and Al content < 2%). The phosphorus-rich product obtained by means of the recovery process showed relevant metal contamination (Cu, Zn, and Ni) under some operating conditions, suggesting the need for further treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaia Boniardi
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (DICA) - Environmental Section, Politecnico di Milano, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Kylie Close
- School of Chemical Engineering, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Andrea Turolla
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (DICA) - Environmental Section, Politecnico di Milano, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, 20133 Milano, Italy.
| | - Roberto Canziani
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (DICA) - Environmental Section, Politecnico di Milano, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Adrian Oehmen
- School of Chemical Engineering, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
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2
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Yan X, Zhao S, Hu J, Dang J, Yao S, Cai J, Sittijunda S, Wang W, Lee DJ, Yang P. Absorbing oxygen carriers promotes phosphorus recovery from sludge via the microwave thermal conversion process. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2024; 401:130760. [PMID: 38692376 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2024.130760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 04/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
This study aims to apply the Absorbing oxygen carriers (AOCs) to induce the migration and transformation of phosphorus compounds during the microwave thermal conversion of sludge so the hard-to-extract organic phosphorus (OP) can be converted to easy-to-extract inorganic phosphorus (IP) and be enriched onto the sludge char. The AOCs were recycled by screen separation from the IP-rich sludge char, with the latter being a renewable phosphorus source from sludge. The AOCs in this novel process enhanced the conversion efficiency of OP into non-apatite inorganic phosphorus (NAlP), which was further converted to apatite inorganic phosphorus (AP). Most phosphorus in the sludge char is presented in the form of orthophosphate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Yan
- College of Mechanical & Electrical Engineering, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Shuheng Zhao
- College of Mechanical & Electrical Engineering, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of Biomass Energy, Henan Province, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Jianjun Hu
- College of Mechanical & Electrical Engineering, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of Biomass Energy, Henan Province, Zhengzhou 450002, China.
| | - Jiatao Dang
- College of Mechanical & Electrical Engineering, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of Biomass Energy, Henan Province, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Sen Yao
- College of Mechanical & Electrical Engineering, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of Biomass Energy, Henan Province, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Junmeng Cai
- Biomass Energy Engineering Research Center, School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Sureewan Sittijunda
- Faculty of Environment and Resource Studies, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand
| | - Wei Wang
- College of Mechanical & Electrical Engineering, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of Biomass Energy, Henan Province, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Duu-Jong Lee
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Biomass Energy, Henan Province, Zhengzhou 450002, China; Department of Mechanical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Panbo Yang
- College of Mechanical & Electrical Engineering, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450002, China
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3
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Yang Z, Li F, Ma M, Zhao W, Liu X, Wang Y, Li Z, Fang Y. Effecting mechanisms of iron-rich sludge on ash fusion characteristics of coal with high ash fusion temperature under reducing atmosphere. WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2024; 174:328-339. [PMID: 38091657 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2023.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Co-gasification is crucial for large-scale clean conversion of coal and sludge. In this study, the effects of municipal sewage sludge (MSS, Fe2O3:48.11 %) and pharmaceutical sewage sludge (PSS, Fe2O3: 67.80 %) on ash fusion temperature (AFT) of high AFT Xiangyuan coal (XY) were explored using an AFT analysis, X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, X-ray diffraction, scanning electronic microscopy, and thermodynamics FactSage calculation. The results showed that when MSS or PSS ash mass ratios reached 20 % or 16 % (for XY mixtures, the mass ratio of MSS or PSS should be >5.81 wt% or 5.07 wt%), respectively, the AFT met the requirement of liquid-slag discharge for entrained-flow bed gasification. Under a reducing atmosphere (6:4, CO/CO2, volume ratio), Fe2+ destroyed the bridging-oxygen bonds in the network structure and generated low melting-point (MP) hercynite (FeAl2O4). This resulted in the AFT decreases in the XY mixtures with the additions of PSS or MSS. Meanwhile, the high calcium content (CaO: 13.40 %) easily reacted with Al2O3 and SiO2 and formed anorthite (CaAl2SiO8), which inhibited high-MP mullite formation and decreased the mixed XY AFT. With the increasing SS mass ratio, the surface of the ash sample and thermodynamic FactSage calculation were in good agreement with the experimental results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziqiang Yang
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Henan Polytechnic University, Jiaozuo 454003, China
| | - Fenghai Li
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Henan Polytechnic University, Jiaozuo 454003, China; School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Heze University, Heze 274015, China; Institute of Coal Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Taiyuan 030001, China.
| | - Mingjie Ma
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Henan Polytechnic University, Jiaozuo 454003, China
| | - Wei Zhao
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Henan Polytechnic University, Jiaozuo 454003, China
| | - Xuefei Liu
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Henan Polytechnic University, Jiaozuo 454003, China
| | - Yong Wang
- Shandong Hongda Chemical Co. Ltd., Heze, Shandong 274700, China
| | - Zhenzhu Li
- Shandong Meiyu Engineering Consulting Co., Ltd, Heze, Shandong 274700, China
| | - Yitian Fang
- Institute of Coal Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Taiyuan 030001, China
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4
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Yuan H, Zhang Y, Chen Z, Cai S, Zhang Z, Yang P, Peng S, Yu J, Wang D, Zhang W. Molecular transformation pathway and bioavailability of organic phosphorus in sewage sludge under vermicomposting. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 906:167796. [PMID: 37838053 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023]
Abstract
Phosphorus reclamation from sewage sludge is essential for sustainable phosphorus management, as large quantities of phosphorus afflux into wastewater treatment plants and are finally enriched in sewage sludge via phosphorus removal technologies. Meanwhile, vermicomposting is a cost-effective biotechnique for sludge stabilization. This work unveiled the molecular transformation pathway and bioavailability of organic phosphorus (OP) in sludge under vermicomposting with solution 31P NMR, FT-ICR MS and enzymatic hydrolysis assay. In conclusion, vermicomposting transformed OP in two stages. In stage I (day 0 to 14), macromolecule CHONP such as phospholipids, phosphoproteins and nucleic acid were decomposed into orthophosphate and high bioavailability OP including flavin mononucleotide, flavin mononucleotide hydrate and N6-isopentenyladenosine 5'-monophosphate under the action of earthworm intestinal flora. This resulted in the bioavailability of OP reaching a maximum of 13.58 mg/L on day 14. In stage II (day 14 to 28), the enzyme in vermicompost began to dominate the transformation of OP. Under the catalysis of phosphate, high bioavailability orthophosphate monoester was decomposed into orthophosphate. Nitrogen-containing aromatic OP polymerization produced humic acid-like OP under the catalysis of ligase. And phytic acid-like OP were produced under the catalysis of transferase. These led to the OP bioavailability decreasing to 5.60 mg/L on day 28. This work provides a new perspective on sludge phosphorus recovery and use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Yuan
- School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, Hubei, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, Hubei, China
| | - Zexu Chen
- School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, Hubei, China
| | - Siying Cai
- School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, Hubei, China
| | - Ziwei Zhang
- School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, Hubei, China
| | - Peng Yang
- School of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Northeast Electric Power University, Jilin 132012, Jilin, China
| | - Siwei Peng
- Datang Environment Industry Group Co., Ltd, Beijing 100097, China
| | - Junxia Yu
- Key Laboratory of Novel Biomass-Based Environmental and Energy Materials in Petroleum and Chemical Industry, School of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan Institute of Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Dongsheng Wang
- Department of environmental engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Weijun Zhang
- School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, Hubei, China; National Engineering Research Center of Industrial Wastewater Detoxication and Resource Recovery, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China.
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Tominc S, Ducman V, Wisniewski W, Luukkonen T, Kirkelund GM, Ottosen LM. Recovery of Phosphorus and Metals from the Ash of Sewage Sludge, Municipal Solid Waste, or Wood Biomass: A Review and Proposals for Further Use. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 16:6948. [PMID: 37959544 PMCID: PMC10647443 DOI: 10.3390/ma16216948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
This review provides an overview of methods to extract valuable resources from the ash fractions of sewage sludge, municipal solid waste, and wood biomass combustion. The resources addressed here include critical raw materials, such as phosphorus, base and precious metals, and rare earth elements for which it is increasingly important to tap into secondary sources in addition to the mining of primary raw materials. The extraction technologies prioritized in this review are based on recycled acids or excess renewable energy to achieve an optimum environmental profile for the extracted resources and provide benefits in the form of local industrial symbioses. The extraction methods cover all scarce and valuable chemical elements contained in the ashes above certain concentration limits. Another important part of this review is defining potential applications for the mineral residues remaining after extraction. Therefore, the aim of this review is to combine the knowledge of resource extraction technology from ashes with possible applications of mineral residues in construction and related sectors to fully close material cycle loops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Tominc
- Laboratory for Cements, Mortars and Ceramics, The Department of Materials, Slovenian National Building and Civil Engineering Institute (ZAG), Dimičeva ulica 12, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (V.D.); (W.W.)
| | - Vilma Ducman
- Laboratory for Cements, Mortars and Ceramics, The Department of Materials, Slovenian National Building and Civil Engineering Institute (ZAG), Dimičeva ulica 12, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (V.D.); (W.W.)
| | - Wolfgang Wisniewski
- Laboratory for Cements, Mortars and Ceramics, The Department of Materials, Slovenian National Building and Civil Engineering Institute (ZAG), Dimičeva ulica 12, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (V.D.); (W.W.)
| | - Tero Luukkonen
- Faculty of Technology, Fibre and Particle Engineering, University of Oulu, P.O. Box 8000, 90570 Oulu, Finland;
| | - Gunvor M. Kirkelund
- Department of Environmental and Resource Engineering, Technical University of Denmark (DTU), Brovej, 2800 Lyngby, Denmark; (G.M.K.); (L.M.O.)
| | - Lisbeth M. Ottosen
- Department of Environmental and Resource Engineering, Technical University of Denmark (DTU), Brovej, 2800 Lyngby, Denmark; (G.M.K.); (L.M.O.)
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Khalaf N, Shi W, Fenton O, Kwapinski W, Leahy J. Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) of dairy waste: effect of temperature and initial acidity on the composition and quality of solid and liquid products. OPEN RESEARCH EUROPE 2023; 2:83. [PMID: 37645300 PMCID: PMC10445854 DOI: 10.12688/openreseurope.14863.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Background: Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) of dairy processing waste was performed to investigate the effect of temperature and initial pH on the yield and composition of the solid (hydrochar) and liquor produced. All hydrochars met the EU requirements of organo-mineral solid fertilizers defined in the Fertilizing Products Regulation in terms of phosphorus (P) and mineral content. Methods: Laboratory scale HTC was performed using pressurized reactors, and the products (solid and liquid) were collected, stored and analyzed for elemental composition and nutrient content using Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES), ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry (UV-Vis) and other analytic techniques. Results: Maximum hydrochar yield (60.67%) was observed at T=180℃ and pH=2.25, whereas the maximum P-recovery was 80.38% at T=220℃ and pH=4.6. The heavy metal content of the hydrochars was mostly compliant with EU limitations, except for Ni at T=220℃ and pH=8.32. Meanwhile, further study of Chromium (Cr) species is essential to assess the fertilizer quality of the hydrochars. For the liquid product, the increase in temperature beyond 200℃, coupled with an increase in initial acidity (pH=2.25) drove P into the liquor. Simultaneously, increasing HTC temperature and acidity increased the concentration of NO 3 - and NH 4 + in the liquid products to a maximum of 278 and 148 mg/L, respectively, at T=180℃ and pH=4.6. Furthermore, no direct relation between final pH of liquor and NH 4 + concentration was observed. Conclusions: HTC allows for the production of hydrochar as a potential fertilizer material that requires further processing. Adjusting HTC conditions enhanced P-recovery in the hydrochar, while retrieving higher nitrate concentrations in the liquid product. Optimizing HTC for the production of qualified hydrochars requires further treatment of Cr content, studying the availability of P in the products and enhancing the hydrochar yield for economic feasibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nidal Khalaf
- Chemical and Environmental Science Department, University of Limerick, Limerick, Limerick, V94 T9PX, Ireland
| | - Wenxuan Shi
- Teagasc, Environmental Research Centre, Johnstown Castle, Co, Wexford, Y35 TC97, Ireland
| | - Owen Fenton
- Teagasc, Environmental Research Centre, Johnstown Castle, Co, Wexford, Y35 TC97, Ireland
| | - Witold Kwapinski
- Chemical and Environmental Science Department, University of Limerick, Limerick, Limerick, V94 T9PX, Ireland
| | - J.J. Leahy
- Chemical and Environmental Science Department, University of Limerick, Limerick, Limerick, V94 T9PX, Ireland
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Sui P, Nishimura F, Hidaka T. Prediction of calcium phosphate generation and behaviors of metals during phosphorus recovery using a modified thermodynamic model. WATER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY : A JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION ON WATER POLLUTION RESEARCH 2023; 87:2727-2741. [PMID: 37318920 PMCID: wst_2023_164 DOI: 10.2166/wst.2023.164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
In this study, behaviors of metals and their effects on phosphorus recovery by calcium phosphate were investigated by the laboratory and pilot experiments as well as by the modified thermodynamic model. Batch experimental results indicated that the efficiency of phosphorus recovery decreased with the increase in metal content and more than 80% phosphorus can be recovered with a Ca/P molar ratio of 3.0 and a pH of 9.0 for the supernatant of an anaerobic tank in the A/O process with the influent containing a high metal level. The mixture of amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) and dicalcium phosphate dihydrate (DCPD) was assumed to be the precipitated product with an experimental time of 30 min. A modified thermodynamic model was developed using ACP and DCPD as the precipitated products, and the correction equations were incorporated to simulate the short-term precipitation of calcium phosphate based on the experimental results. From the perspective of maximizing both the efficiency of phosphorus recovery and the quality or purity of the recovered product, the simulation results showed that a pH of 9.0 and a Ca/P molar ratio of 3.0 were the optimized operational condition for phosphorus recovery by calcium phosphate when the influent metal content was at the level of actual municipal sewage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengzhe Sui
- Department of Urban and Environmental Engineering, Kyoto University, Kyoto 615-8540, Japan E-mail: ; Research and Development Center, Swing Corporation, Fujisawa 251-8502, Japan
| | - Fumitake Nishimura
- Department of Urban and Environmental Engineering, Kyoto University, Kyoto 615-8540, Japan E-mail:
| | - Taira Hidaka
- Department of Urban and Environmental Engineering, Kyoto University, Kyoto 615-8540, Japan E-mail:
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8
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Stobernack N, Malek C. Hydrothermal carbonization combined with thermochemical treatment of sewage sludge: Effects of MgCl 2 on the migration of phosphorus and heavy metal. WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2023; 165:150-158. [PMID: 37127003 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2023.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Revised: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Phosphorus (P) is a non-regenerative and finite raw material. Due to its decreasing availability, and to protect the environment, recycling methods are needed. With the focus on closing nutrient cycles, sewage sludge (SS) is a potential source for P recovery. The objective of this study was to produce a mineral P-reach fertilizer. For this purpose, the treatment of SS in a multi-stage process, consisting of a hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) and thermochemical post-treatment was examined and compared with a direct thermochemical treatment. The focus was on the transformation of P and the migration of the heavy metals during the processes. In addition, the role of MgCl2 as an additive was examined. During the HTC, most of the P remained in the HTC-char, so that the P content increased in the HTC-char compared with the SS. The addition of MgCl2 to the process resulted in lower transportation rates of P in the liquid phase and higher P solubilities in water, citric acid, and alkalic ammonium citrate out of the solid phase. The thermochemical treatment of SS and the HTC-chars further concentrated P in the ash. Retention rates of >97% were achieved, and P2O5 contents in the ash were as high as ∼16 wt-%. The presence of the additive resulted in (i) higher retention rates of P in the ashes (ii) higher P-solubility and (iii) higher removal rates of easily volatile heavy metals such as Pb and Zn, and the treatment of HTC-char favored these effects compared with the direct treatment of SS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niklas Stobernack
- Metabolon Institute, TH Köln (University of Applied Sciences), Am Berkebach 1, 51789 Lindlar, Germany.
| | - Christian Malek
- Metabolon Institute, TH Köln (University of Applied Sciences), Am Berkebach 1, 51789 Lindlar, Germany
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Shi Y, Chen Z, Zhu K, Fan J, Clark JH, Luo G, Zhang S. Speciation evolution and transformation mechanism of P during microwave hydrothermal process of sewage sludge. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 815:152801. [PMID: 34986420 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.152801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Due to the global shortage of phosphate ore, sewage sludge is an important resource for P recovery. This study aims to investigate how P was migrated and transformed during the microwave hydrothermal (MHT) process of sewage sludge. The effects of MHT and hydrothermal (HT) conversion were compared. The results reveals that there were no significant differences on the P distribution and speciation changes between the HT and MHT products, especially under high hydrothermal temperature. Ortho-P/Pyro-P was the dominant P form in the hydrothermal solid products, and high temperature promoted the transformation of C-O-P to Ortho-P/Pyro-P. The analysis of X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) shows that Ca5(PO4)3OH was formed after the hydrothermal processes. The relative abundance of Ca-P decreased first and then increased with increasing hydrothermal temperature. Moderate MHT temperature (170 °C) and holding time (30-60 min) promoted the transformation of P to the liquid products. Generally, the effect of MHT temperature was more significant than that of heating type and holding time on the variations of P distribution and speciations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Shi
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Particle Pollution and Prevention (LAP(3)), Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, PR China; Green Chemistry Center of Excellence, Department of Chemistry, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Zheng Chen
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Particle Pollution and Prevention (LAP(3)), Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, PR China
| | - Keliang Zhu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Particle Pollution and Prevention (LAP(3)), Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, PR China
| | - Jiajun Fan
- Green Chemistry Center of Excellence, Department of Chemistry, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK
| | - James H Clark
- Green Chemistry Center of Excellence, Department of Chemistry, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Gang Luo
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Particle Pollution and Prevention (LAP(3)), Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, PR China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200092, PR China.
| | - Shicheng Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Particle Pollution and Prevention (LAP(3)), Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, PR China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200092, PR China.
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10
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Zhu Y, Zhai Y, Li S, Liu X, Wang B, Liu X, Fan Y, Shi H, Li C, Zhu Y. Thermal treatment of sewage sludge: A comparative review of the conversion principle, recovery methods and bioavailability-predicting of phosphorus. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 291:133053. [PMID: 34861255 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.133053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Phosphorus is a nutrient that is essential to nature and human life and has attracted attention because of its very limited reserves. Dwindling phosphorus reserves and soaring prices have made the recovery of phosphorus from waste biosolids even more urgent. Waste activated sludge, as the final destination of most of the phosphorus in human domestic and industrial water, has been considered as a reliable source of phosphorus recovery. The thermal treatment method of sewage sludge is currently a relatively environmentally friendly disposal method, which mainly includes incineration, pyrolysis and hydrothermal carbonization. This paper reviews the methods for the recovery of different forms of phosphorus (wet chemical, thermochemical and electrodialysis) from solid products obtained from different sludge thermal treatment methods (incinerated sewage sludge ash, pyrolysis of sewage sludge char and hydrochar) and the bioavailability of the recovered phosphorus products. Incineration of sewage sludge is currently the most established and effective method for recovering phosphorus from the thermal treatment products of sewage sludge. One of the wet chemical methods has been applied on a commercial scale and is expected to be further developed for future industrial applications. Pyrolysis and hydrothermal carbonation still have many research gaps in this field. Based on their principles and laboratory performance, both of them have the potential to recover phosphorus and should be further explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya Zhu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, 410082, China
| | - Yunbo Zhai
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, 410082, China.
| | - Shanhong Li
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, 410082, China
| | - Xiangmin Liu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, 410082, China
| | - Bei Wang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, 410082, China
| | - Xiaoping Liu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, 410082, China
| | - Yuwei Fan
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, 410082, China
| | - Haoran Shi
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, 410082, China
| | - Caiting Li
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, 410082, China
| | - Yun Zhu
- College of Electrical and Information Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, China.
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11
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Techno-Economic Analysis of Scenarios on Energy and Phosphorus Recovery from Mono- and Co-Combustion of Municipal Sewage Sludge. SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14052603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This study evaluates the techno-economic feasibility of energy and phosphorus (P) fertilizer (PF) recovery from municipal sewage sludge (MSS) through incineration in new combustion plants. We evaluated the economic impact of five critical process design choices: (1) boiler type, (2) fuel (MSS mono-combustion/co-combustion with wheat straw), (3) production scale (10/100 MW), (4) products (heat, electricity, PF), and (5) ash destination. Aspen Plus modeling provided mass and energy balances of each technology scenario. The economic feasibility was evaluated by calculating the minimum selling price of the products, as well as the MSS gate fees required to reach profitability. The dependency on key boundary conditions (operating time, market prices, policy support) was also evaluated. The results showed a significant dependency on both energy and fertilizer market prices and on financial support in the form of an MSS gate fee. Heat was preferred over combined heat and power (CHP), which was feasible only on the largest scale (100 MW) at maximum annual operating time (8000 h/y). Co-combustion showed lower heat recovery cost (19–30 €/MWh) than mono-combustion (29–66 €/MWh) due to 25–35% lower energy demand and 17–25% higher fuel heating value. Co-combustion also showed promising performance for P recovery, as PF could be recovered without ash post-treatment and sold at a competitive price, and co-combustion could be applicable also in smaller cities. When implementing ash post-treatment, the final cost of ash-based PF was more than four times the price of commercial PF. In conclusion, investment in a new combustion plant for MSS treatment appears conditional to gate fees unless the boundary conditions would change significantly.
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Galey B, Gautier M, Kim B, Blanc D, Chatain V, Ducom G, Dumont N, Gourdon R. Trace metal elements vaporization and phosphorus recovery during sewage sludge thermochemical treatment - A review. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 424:127360. [PMID: 34638074 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.127360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Phosphorus (P) plays essential roles in crops growth. Natural mineral sources of phosphate are non-renewable, overexploited and unevenly distributed worldwide, making P a strategic resource for agricultural systems. The search for sustainable ways to secure P supply for fertilizer production has therefore become a critical issue worldwide. Sewage sludge (SS) is an organic waste material considered as a key alternative source of P. Switzerland and the European Union are about to make it mandatory to recover P from SS or its treatment residues. Among the many technical options to achieve this objective, SS thermochemical treatments spiked with Cl-donors appear as a promising approach to recover P from SS and separate it from mineral pollutants such as trace metal elements (TME). The purpose of Cl-donor additives is to fix P within the mineral residues, possibly in bioavailable P species forms, while promoting TME vaporization by chlorination mechanisms. This review paper compares the various thermochemical treatments investigated worldwide over the past two decades. The influence of process conditions and Cl-donor nature is discussed. The presented results show that, except for nickel and chromium, most TME can be significantly vaporized during a high temperature treatment (over 900 °C) with Cl addition. In addition, the fixation rate and solubility of P is increased when a Cl-donor such as MgCl2 is added.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Galey
- Univ Lyon, INSA Lyon, DEEP, EA7429, 69621 Villeurbanne, France
| | - M Gautier
- Univ Lyon, INSA Lyon, DEEP, EA7429, 69621 Villeurbanne, France.
| | - B Kim
- Univ Lyon, INSA Lyon, DEEP, EA7429, 69621 Villeurbanne, France
| | - D Blanc
- Univ Lyon, INSA Lyon, DEEP, EA7429, 69621 Villeurbanne, France
| | - V Chatain
- Univ Lyon, INSA Lyon, DEEP, EA7429, 69621 Villeurbanne, France
| | - G Ducom
- Univ Lyon, INSA Lyon, DEEP, EA7429, 69621 Villeurbanne, France
| | - N Dumont
- Univ Lyon, INSA Lyon, DEEP, EA7429, 69621 Villeurbanne, France
| | - R Gourdon
- Univ Lyon, INSA Lyon, DEEP, EA7429, 69621 Villeurbanne, France
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13
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Abstract
Sewage sludge is here studied as a valuable source for processing or energy conversation thanks to its high nutrition and energy content. However, various origins of the wastewater, different water cleaning technologies, and seasonal and regional dependencies lead to the high variability of the sewage sludge properties. In thermal treatment units, that is, incineration, gasification and pyrolysis, sewage sludge serves as feedstock or fuel, hence a proper characterization and a mathematical description of the sewage sludge are required to estimate product streams and to formulate numerical simulations and optimization methods. The presented work introduces a surrogate concept that allows replication of sewage sludge’s ultimate composition, moisture, and ash content. The surrogate approach aims to model the decomposition of any sewage sludge sample, opposite to the established determination of kinetic rates for individual samples. Based on chemical solid surrogate species and corresponding reaction mechanisms, the thermal decomposition path is described. Sewage sludge is represented by a combination of lignocellulosic species, proteins, sugars, lipids, and representative inorganic species. The devolatilization and heterogeneous reactions are formulated such that they can be used together with a detailed gas-phase model, including tar oxidation and emission models for nitrogen and sulfur oxides, recently proposed by the authors. The developed chemical model is applied using a zero-dimensional gasification reactor in order to model weight loss within the thermogravimetric analysis, pyrolysis, gasification and combustion conditions. Weight loss, the composition of product gases, and emission release (nitrogen and sulfur oxides) are captured well by the model. The flexible surrogate approach allows us to represent various sewage sludge samples.
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14
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Boniardi G, Turolla A, Fiameni L, Gelmi E, Malpei F, Bontempi E, Canziani R. Assessment of a simple and replicable procedure for selective phosphorus recovery from sewage sludge ashes by wet chemical extraction and precipitation. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 285:131476. [PMID: 34265709 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.131476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Revised: 06/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The selective phosphorus recovery by wet chemical extraction and precipitation was assessed at the laboratory scale aiming at identifying a simple and replicable procedure that could be effectively applied to different types of sewage sludge ashes. The experimental work was performed on five samples of sewage sludge ashes, of which three were obtained from muffle-furnace incineration and two from full-scale mono-incineration plants. A single-step extraction procedure has been investigated by applying different operating conditions (type of leaching acid, liquid-to-solid ratio, contact time). Experimental results indicated that phosphorus recovery efficiency varied between 54 and 92% with limited co-dissolution of metals and metalloids, except for arsenic. Operating conditions, sewage sludge ashes characteristics and phosphorus removal processes in the wastewater treatment plant were the main factors affecting phosphorus recovery efficiency. The application of optimal operating conditions (0.2 M sulfuric acid, liquid-to-solid ratio of 20 and contact time of 2 h) resulted in phosphorus recovery from 76 to 92% on four samples. Subsequently, precipitation of phosphorus from acidic leachate was carried out by lime dosing. After filtering and drying, the recovered products presented a P2O5 content between 11.5 and 36.7% dry weight, with a fraction of soluble phosphorus between 75 and 91%, a good percentage for application as fertilizer or animal feed. Since few undesired elements (i.e., As, Cu and Zn) exceeded the limits for fertilizer application (exception was represented by Ni and Pb, which were present at low concentration), an additional purification step may be required. Overall, experimental results highlighted the influence of process parameters on phosphorus recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaia Boniardi
- Politecnico di Milano, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (DICA) - Environmental Section, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Andrea Turolla
- Politecnico di Milano, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (DICA) - Environmental Section, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, 20133, Milano, Italy.
| | - Laura Fiameni
- INSTM and University of Brescia, Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering (DIMI), Via Branze 38, 25123, Brescia, Italy
| | - Enrico Gelmi
- Politecnico di Milano, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (DICA) - Environmental Section, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Francesca Malpei
- Politecnico di Milano, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (DICA) - Environmental Section, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Elza Bontempi
- INSTM and University of Brescia, Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering (DIMI), Via Branze 38, 25123, Brescia, Italy
| | - Roberto Canziani
- Politecnico di Milano, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (DICA) - Environmental Section, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, 20133, Milano, Italy
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15
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Santos AF, Almeida PV, Alvarenga P, Gando-Ferreira LM, Quina MJ. From wastewater to fertilizer products: Alternative paths to mitigate phosphorus demand in European countries. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 284:131258. [PMID: 34225107 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.131258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Phosphorus (P) is a non-renewable resource, irreplaceable for life and food production, and currently considered a Critical Raw Material to the European Union (EU). Due to concerns about the rate of consumption and limited reserves in countries with sensitive geopolitical contexts, it is urgent to recover P from urban and industrial flows. Indeed, the municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) are considered relevant sources with several hot spots, especially sewage sludge with estimated recovery efficiencies of >80%. The most promising recovery strategies are based on thermal treatments (e.g., incineration of sludge) following by wet-chemical or thermo-chemical leaching, precipitation, and adsorption. The direct application of sludge on soil is no longer a primary route for P reintegration in the value-chain for countries as Switzerland, Germany, and The Netherlands. In fact, Switzerland and Austria paved the way for implementing P recovery legislation, focusing on recovery from raw sewage sludge or ashes. Indeed, industrial technologies with sludge ash as input show high recovery efficiencies (Ashdec® and Leachphos® with 98 and 79%) and lower environmental impacts, whereas Pearl® technology has about 12% recovery efficiency with wastewater as input. After all, struvite emerges as the most recovered product with recent access to the internal market of EU fertilisers and similar growth performance compared to triple-super-phosphate. However, several studies leave open the possibility of introducing loaded adsorbents with P as soil amendments as a new alternative to conventional desorption. Briefly, P recovery should be a compromise between efficiency, environmental impacts, and economic revenues from the final products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreia F Santos
- University of Coimbra, CIEPQPF, Department of Chemical Engineering, Rua Sílvio Lima, Pólo II, Pinhal de Marrocos, 3030-790, Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Patrícia V Almeida
- University of Coimbra, CIEPQPF, Department of Chemical Engineering, Rua Sílvio Lima, Pólo II, Pinhal de Marrocos, 3030-790, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Paula Alvarenga
- LEAF, School of Agriculture, University of Lisbon, Tapada da Ajuda, 1349-017, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Licínio M Gando-Ferreira
- University of Coimbra, CIEPQPF, Department of Chemical Engineering, Rua Sílvio Lima, Pólo II, Pinhal de Marrocos, 3030-790, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Margarida J Quina
- University of Coimbra, CIEPQPF, Department of Chemical Engineering, Rua Sílvio Lima, Pólo II, Pinhal de Marrocos, 3030-790, Coimbra, Portugal
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Borchert KBL, Steinbach C, Reis B, Gerlach N, Zimmermann P, Schwarz S, Schwarz D. Mesoporous Poly(melamine- co-formaldehyde) Particles for Efficient and Selective Phosphate and Sulfate Removal. Molecules 2021; 26:6615. [PMID: 34771024 PMCID: PMC8588240 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26216615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to the existence-threatening risk to aquatic life and entire ecosystems, the removal of oxyanions such as sulfate and phosphate from anthropogenic wastewaters, such as municipal effluents and acid mine drainage, is inevitable. Furthermore, phosphorus is an indispensable resource for worldwide plant fertilization, which cannot be replaced by any other substance. This raises phosphate to one of the most important mineral resources worldwide. Thus, efficient recovery of phosphate is essential for ecosystems and the economy. To face the harsh acidic conditions, such as for acid mine drainage, an adsorber material with a high chemical resistivity is beneficial. Poly(melamine-co-formaldehyde) (PMF) sustains these conditions whilst its very high amount of nitrogen functionalities (up to 53.7 wt.%) act as efficient adsorption sides. To increase adsorption capacities, PMF was synthesized in the form of mesoporous particles using a hard-templating approach yielding specific surface areas up to 409 m2/g. Different amounts of silica nanospheres were utilized as template and evaluated for the adsorption of sulfate and phosphate ions. The adsorption isotherms were validated by the Langmuir model. Due to their properties, the PMF particles possessed outperforming maximum adsorption capacities of 341 and 251 mg/g for phosphate and sulfate, respectively. Furthermore, selective adsorption of sulfate from mixed solutions of phosphate and sulfate was found for silica/PMF hybrid particles.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Dana Schwarz
- Leibniz-Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e.V., Hohe Str. 6, 01069 Dresden, Germany; (K.B.L.B.); (C.S.); (B.R.); (N.G.); (P.Z.); (S.S.)
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17
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Liu H, Basar IA, Nzihou A, Eskicioglu C. Hydrochar derived from municipal sludge through hydrothermal processing: A critical review on its formation, characterization, and valorization. WATER RESEARCH 2021; 199:117186. [PMID: 34010736 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2021.117186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Additional options for the sustainable treatment of municipal sludge are required due to the significant amounts of sludge, high levels of nutrients (e.g., C, N, and P), and trace constituents it contains. Hydrothermal processing of municipal sludge has recently been recognized as a promising technology to efficiently reduce waste volume, recover bioenergy, destroy organic contaminants, and eliminate pathogens. However, a considerable amount of solid residue, called hydrochar, could remain after hydrothermal treatment. This hydrochar can contain abundant amounts of energy (with a higher heating value up to 24 MJ/kg, dry basis), nutrients, and trace elements, as well as surface functional groups. The valorization of sludge-derived hydrochar can facilitate the development and application of hydrothermal technologies. This review summarizes the formation pathways from municipal sludge to hydrochar, specifically, the impact of hydrothermal conditions on reaction mechanisms and product distribution. Moreover, this study comprehensively encapsulates the described characteristics of hydrochar produced under a wide range of conditions: Yield, energy density, physicochemical properties, elemental distribution, contaminants of concern, surface functionality, and morphology. More importantly, this review compares and evaluates the current state of applications of hydrochar: Energy production, agricultural application, adsorption, heterogeneous catalysis, and nutrient recovery. Ultimately, along with the identified challenges and prospects of valorization approaches for sludge-derived hydrochar, conceptual designs of sustainable municipal sludge management are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Liu
- UBC Bioreactor Technology Group, School of Engineering, The University of British Columbia, Okanagan Campus, 1137 Alumni Avenue, Kelowna, British Columbia, V1V 1V7, Canada.
| | - Ibrahim Alper Basar
- UBC Bioreactor Technology Group, School of Engineering, The University of British Columbia, Okanagan Campus, 1137 Alumni Avenue, Kelowna, British Columbia, V1V 1V7, Canada.
| | - Ange Nzihou
- Université de Toulouse, IMT Mines Albi, RAPSODEE CNRS UMR-5302, Campus Jarlard, Albi, 81013 Cedex 09, France.
| | - Cigdem Eskicioglu
- UBC Bioreactor Technology Group, School of Engineering, The University of British Columbia, Okanagan Campus, 1137 Alumni Avenue, Kelowna, British Columbia, V1V 1V7, Canada.
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18
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Second-Generation Phosphorus: Recovery from Wastes towards the Sustainability of Production Chains. SUSTAINABILITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/su13115919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Phosphorus (P) is essential for life and has a fundamental role in industry and the world food production system. The present work describes different technologies adopted for what is called the second-generation P recovery framework, that encompass the P obtained from residues and wastes. The second-generation P has a high potential to substitute the first-generation P comprising that originally mined from rock phosphates for agricultural production. Several physical, chemical, and biological processes are available for use in second-generation P recovery. They include both concentrating and recovery technologies: (1) chemical extraction using magnesium and calcium precipitating compounds yielding struvite, newberyite and calcium phosphates; (2) thermal treatments like combustion, hydrothermal carbonization, and pyrolysis; (3) nanofiltration and ion exchange methods; (4) electrochemical processes; and (5) biological processes such as composting, algae uptake, and phosphate accumulating microorganisms (PAOs). However, the best technology to use depends on the characteristic of the waste, the purpose of the process, the cost, and the availability of land. The exhaustion of deposits (economic problem) and the accumulation of P (environmental problem) are the main drivers to incentivize the P’s recovery from various wastes. Besides promoting the resource’s safety, the recovery of P introduces the residues as raw materials, closing the productive systems loop and reducing their environmental damage.
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19
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Vučić V, Müller S. New developments in biological phosphorus accessibility and recovery approaches from soil and waste streams. Eng Life Sci 2021; 21:77-86. [PMID: 33716607 PMCID: PMC7923555 DOI: 10.1002/elsc.202000076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Revised: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Phosphorus (P) is a non-renewable resource and is on the European Union's list of critical raw materials. It is predicted that the P consumption peak will occur in the next 10 to 20 years. Therefore, there is an urgent need to find accessible sources in the immediate environment, such as soil, and to use alternative resources of P such as waste streams. While enormous progress has been made in chemical P recovery technologies, most biological technologies for P recovery are still in the developmental stage and are not reaching industrial application. Nevertheless, biological P recovery could offer good solutions as these technologies can return P to the human P cycle in an environmentally friendly way. This mini-review provides an overview of the latest approaches to make P available in soil and to recover P from plant residues, animal and human waste streams by exploiting the universal trait of P accumulation and P turnover in microorganisms and plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vedran Vučić
- Department of Environmental MicrobiologyHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research ‐ UFZDepartment Environmental MicrobiologyLeipzigGermany
| | - Susann Müller
- Department of Environmental MicrobiologyHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research ‐ UFZDepartment Environmental MicrobiologyLeipzigGermany
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20
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Shi Y, Chen Z, Cao Y, Fan J, Clark JH, Luo G, Zhang S. Migration and transformation mechanism of phosphorus in waste activated sludge during anaerobic fermentation and hydrothermal conversion. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 403:123649. [PMID: 32823030 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.123649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 07/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated migration and transformation mechanism of P in waste activated sludge (WAS) during anaerobic fermentation (AF) process and the subsequent hydrothermal conversion (HTC) process. Control of pH during the AF processes was found to be significant, whereby the use of acidic (pH = 5.5) or alkaline conditions (pH = 9.5) facilitated the release of either apatite phosphorus (AP) or non-apatite inorganic phosphorus (NAIP) and organic phosphorus, respectively. At the same pH of 9.5, NaOH promoted the transfer of P into liquid phase, and P in the solid phase was mainly in the form of NAIP. In contrast, Ca(OH)2 enhanced the incorporation of P into the solid products, with the P mainly in the form of AP. The subsequent HTC process promoted the NAIP transferred to AP, and the bioavailability of P in the HTC solid products was decreased. The P K-edge X-ray absorption near edge structure analysis provided detailed information about the phosphates. It demonstrated that the conversion of Ca8H2PO4·6.5H2O to Ca5(PO4)3·OH was facilitated by HTC under the alkaline condition. This study sheds lights on transformation mechanism of P speciations during AF and HTC processes, which would provide fundamental information for effective utilization of P in bio-wastes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Shi
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Particle Pollution and Prevention (LAP(3)), Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, PR China; Green Chemistry Center of Excellence, Department of Chemistry, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Zheng Chen
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Particle Pollution and Prevention (LAP(3)), Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, PR China
| | - Yang Cao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Particle Pollution and Prevention (LAP(3)), Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, PR China
| | - Jiajun Fan
- Green Chemistry Center of Excellence, Department of Chemistry, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - James H Clark
- Green Chemistry Center of Excellence, Department of Chemistry, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Gang Luo
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Particle Pollution and Prevention (LAP(3)), Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, PR China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai, 200092, PR China; Shanghai Technical Service Platformfor Pollution Control and Resource Utilization of Organic Wastes, Shanghai 200438, China.
| | - Shicheng Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Particle Pollution and Prevention (LAP(3)), Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, PR China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai, 200092, PR China; Shanghai Technical Service Platformfor Pollution Control and Resource Utilization of Organic Wastes, Shanghai 200438, China.
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21
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Arias A, Feijoo G, Moreira MT. Benchmarking environmental and economic indicators of sludge management alternatives aimed at enhanced energy efficiency and nutrient recovery. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2021; 279:111594. [PMID: 33160744 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2020.111594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) have been developed as multifunctional systems that aim to eliminate pollutants present in wastewater, manage the sludge produced and improve energy efficiency. Specifically, sludge management accounts for the largest share in operational costs. Considering the relevant role of sludge treatment within the overall management scheme, this study aims to evaluate different alternatives and strategies for sludge management and treatment from the perspective of life cycle analysis, with special emphasis on those options that reduce environmental impacts and economic costs. Two pre-treatments (chemical or thermal) and two post-treatments (composting unit followed by land application or incineration) were evaluated to improve the eco-balance of the anaerobic digestion (AD) process in terms of operational (biogas production and digested sludge), environmental and economic indicators. According to the results obtained, both sludge pre-treatment alternatives proved to be an adequate alternative to improve biogas production without negatively affecting environmental and economic impacts. Finally, if the final disposal of the digestate is analysed, its application to the soil as a biofertiliser is recommended, since it presents a better environmental profile than incineration.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Arias
- Department of Chemical Engineering, CRETUS Institute, Univesidade de Santiago de Compostela, E-15782, Santiago de Compostela, Galicia, Spain.
| | - G Feijoo
- Department of Chemical Engineering, CRETUS Institute, Univesidade de Santiago de Compostela, E-15782, Santiago de Compostela, Galicia, Spain
| | - M T Moreira
- Department of Chemical Engineering, CRETUS Institute, Univesidade de Santiago de Compostela, E-15782, Santiago de Compostela, Galicia, Spain
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Qin H, Diao M, Zhang Z, Visser PM, Zhang Y, Wang Y, Yan S. Responses of phytoremediation in urban wastewater with water hyacinths to extreme precipitation. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2020; 271:110948. [PMID: 32778268 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2020.110948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Climate change not only intensifies eutrophication and enhances the rainfall, but also elevates the contents of greenhouse gases, which can further increase the intensity and frequency of extreme precipitation events. The effectivity of phytoremediation of urban wastewaters by water hyacinths under an extreme rainfall event (up to 380 mm d-1) was investigated using self-designed fabrications with six flow rates (2-15 m3 d-1) in situ on pilot scale for 30 days. The results suggest that water hyacinths had high N and P removal capacities even under adverse conditions such as low dissolved oxygen concentrations (DO, <1 mg L-1) and high ammonium concentrations (NH4+-N, >7 mg L-1). Specifically, the highest removal yields of N and P were 13.14 ± 0.47 g N·m-2·d-1 and 2.12 ± 0.04 g P·m-2·d-1, respectively. The results indicate that water hyacinths can be used for water treatment to reduce the amounts of NH4+-N, dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) and phosphate (PO43-) even during extreme precipitation events. Moreover, DO increased due to wet deposition, runoff and surface flows during the extreme rainfall event, resulting in shifts between nitrification and denitrification processes which significantly altered nitrogen forms in urban wastewater. Results of this study suggest that water hyacinths could be recommended as a cost-effective and eco-friendly technology for urban wastewater phytoremediation in areas suffering from frequent extreme precipitation events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongjie Qin
- Key Laboratory for Agricultural Environment, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing, 100081, China; Institute of Agricultural Resources and Environment, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, 210014, China; Department of Freshwater and Marine Ecology, Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, 1090 GE, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; China Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory at Yangtze River Plain for Agricultural Environment, Nanjing, 210014, China.
| | - Muhe Diao
- Leibniz Institute DSMZ - German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Zhiyong Zhang
- Institute of Agricultural Resources and Environment, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, 210014, China; China Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory at Yangtze River Plain for Agricultural Environment, Nanjing, 210014, China
| | - Petra M Visser
- Department of Freshwater and Marine Ecology, Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, 1090 GE, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Yingying Zhang
- Institute of Agricultural Resources and Environment, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, 210014, China; China Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory at Yangtze River Plain for Agricultural Environment, Nanjing, 210014, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Institute of Agricultural Resources and Environment, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, 210014, China; China Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory at Yangtze River Plain for Agricultural Environment, Nanjing, 210014, China
| | - Shaohua Yan
- Institute of Agricultural Resources and Environment, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, 210014, China; China Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory at Yangtze River Plain for Agricultural Environment, Nanjing, 210014, China.
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Schnell M, Horst T, Quicker P. Thermal treatment of sewage sludge in Germany: A review. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2020; 263:110367. [PMID: 32174521 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2020.110367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Revised: 02/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Sewage sludge from municipal wastewater treatment plants in Germany is currently disposed of via thermal treatment and agricultural utilization or used for landscaping. Increasing focus on hygiene, soil protection and most recently on phosphorus recovery combined with the associated legal changes leads to an increased relevance of thermal sewage sludge treatment processes. This article reviews existing technologies for thermal treatment of sewage sludge with a view to the situation in Germany. Thermal sewage sludge treatment can be divided into different processes: drying reduces high water contents of mechanically dewatered sewage sludge and often precedes subsequent treatment processes. Today, most of the sewage sludge in Germany is incinerated, about half in mono-incineration, mostly in stationary fluidized beds, and the other half in co-incineration, in particular in coal-fired power plants, cement kilns or, to a lesser extent, waste incineration plants. Some alternative thermal processes, mainly pyrolysis and gasification, but also metallurgical approaches, are tested in bench or pilot scale. Recent amendments to the German Sewage Sludge Ordinance will restrict the disposal route of co-incineration in future. Consequently, a significant increase in mono-incineration capacity is expected. These processes should enable the combination of environmentally friendly disposal and phosphorus recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Schnell
- Unit of Technology of Fuels, RWTH Aachen University, Wuellnerstr. 2, 52062, Aachen, Germany.
| | - Thomas Horst
- Unit of Technology of Fuels, RWTH Aachen University, Wuellnerstr. 2, 52062, Aachen, Germany
| | - Peter Quicker
- Unit of Technology of Fuels, RWTH Aachen University, Wuellnerstr. 2, 52062, Aachen, Germany
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