1
|
Arellano-Yasaca DV, Chu CY. Insights into nutrients recovery from food waste liquid Digestate: A critical review and systematic analysis. WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2025; 200:114743. [PMID: 40090123 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2025.114743] [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: 11/14/2024] [Revised: 02/12/2025] [Accepted: 03/07/2025] [Indexed: 03/18/2025]
Abstract
This review paper presents a critical analysis of global research on the liquid fraction of food waste (FW) digestate. The study found that research on FW liquid fraction management accounted for 43% of the literature, followed by treatment methods (26%) and physical-chemical characterization (22%). By 2023, China led in scientific production on FW liquid fraction, contributing 46%, followed by Poland with 10% and the USA with 8%. The review emphasizes current technologies for nutrient recovery from the liquid fraction, as well as practical implications and limitations, identifying gaps in the literature. The most used methods for nutrient recovery were biofertilizer production from microalgae and membrane technologies. However, there is a need for further research on nutrient value, circular economy integration, the impact of food additives, ecological problems associated with FW decomposition, pathogen breeding, harmonized legislation to support recovered fertilizer commercialization and innovative nutrient recovery technologies. This approach provides valuable insights for stakeholders, enabling the creation of effective strategies that promote sustainable agricultural practices and circular economy initiatives through nutrient recovery from FW digestate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diana Victoria Arellano-Yasaca
- Ph.D. Program for Infrastructure Planning and Engineering, Feng Chia University, Taichung City, 40724, Taiwan; Ph.D. Program for Civil Engineering, Water Resources Engineering, and Infrastructure Planning, Feng Chia University, Taichung City, 40724, Taiwan; Institute of Green Products, Feng Chia University, Taichung City, 40724, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Yeon Chu
- Ph.D. Program for Infrastructure Planning and Engineering, Feng Chia University, Taichung City, 40724, Taiwan; Ph.D. Program for Civil Engineering, Water Resources Engineering, and Infrastructure Planning, Feng Chia University, Taichung City, 40724, Taiwan; Institute of Green Products, Feng Chia University, Taichung City, 40724, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
P M, K PM, C K, K SBK, D S, G S, G S. Evaluation of fenton-like oxidation coupled with struvite precipitation for the enhanced treatment of Cu-contaminated ammoniacal nitrogen-rich wastewater. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2025; 381:125204. [PMID: 40179465 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.125204] [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: 11/20/2024] [Revised: 03/19/2025] [Accepted: 03/31/2025] [Indexed: 04/05/2025]
Abstract
Discharging highly concentrated ammonia-containing wastewater directly to the environment causes significant environmental degradation. This work has enlightened the recovery of ammoniacal nitrogen from copper-containing Nitrogen-rich wastewater (Cu-NWW) through struvite precipitation followed by a Fenton-like copper oxidation process (CFO). Initially, Cu-NWW was treated through the CFO process by adding 10 mM of H2O2 (30 % w/v) and Nanoporous Activated Carbon (NAC) as a heterogeneous catalyst at an optimized reaction time of 120 min. CFO process exhibited the removal of Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), 82 %; Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD5), 73 %; and Total Organic Carbon (TOC), 78 % in Cu-NWW. It also noted that the elimination of COD and TOC by the CFO process increases the purity of struvite crystal. The presence of copper was removed before struvite precipitation by adding 10 % Na2S solution. Further, the stoichiometric molar ratio of Mg2+, NH4+, and PO43- ions was optimized for struvite precipitation. The struvite precipitation was then carried out with and without removing Cu ions in Cu-NWW, and the reaction time, the addition of magnesium oxide (MgO), Spent phosphoric acid (SPA), and reaction pH were optimized. The second-order rate reaction follows the rate of the formation of struvite. The integrated CFO process and struvite precipitation achieved 92 % COD removal, 97 % ammoniacal nitrogen removal, and over 99 % Cu removal. This treatment approach is highly suitable for industries generating waste streams containing a combination of COD, ammoniacal nitrogen, and metal ions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maharaja P
- Environmental Engineering Department, Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI), Adyar, Chennai, 600 020, Tamilnadu, India.
| | - Patchai Murugan K
- Environmental Engineering Department, Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI), Adyar, Chennai, 600 020, Tamilnadu, India
| | - Karthiyayini C
- Environmental Engineering Department, Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI), Adyar, Chennai, 600 020, Tamilnadu, India
| | - Sri Bala Kameswari K
- Environmental Engineering Department, Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI), Adyar, Chennai, 600 020, Tamilnadu, India
| | - Sudha D
- Environmental Engineering Department, Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI), Adyar, Chennai, 600 020, Tamilnadu, India
| | - Sabarishwaran G
- Environmental Engineering Department, Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI), Adyar, Chennai, 600 020, Tamilnadu, India
| | - Sekaran G
- Environmental Engineering Department, Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI), Adyar, Chennai, 600 020, Tamilnadu, India
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Chen Q, Yang D, Chen X, Wang X, Dong B, Dai X. Vacuum ammonia stripping from liquid digestate: Effects of pH, alkalinity, temperature, negative pressure and process optimization. J Environ Sci (China) 2025; 149:638-650. [PMID: 39181674 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2024.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024]
Abstract
High ammonia-nitrogen digestate has become a key bottleneck limiting the anaerobic digestion of organic solid waste. Vacuum ammonia stripping can simultaneously remove and recover ammonia nitrogen, which has attracted a lot of attention in recent years. To investigate the parameter effects on the efficiency and mass transfer, five combination conditions (53 °C 15 kPa, 60 °C 20 kPa, 65 °C 25 kPa, 72 °C 35 kPa, and 81 °C 50 kPa) were conducted for ammonia stripping of sludge digestate. The results showed that 80% of ammonia nitrogen was stripped in 45 min for all experimental groups, but the ammonia transfer coefficient varied under different conditions, which increased with the rising of boiling point temperature, and reached the maximum value (39.0 mm/hr) at 81 °C 50 kPa. The ammonia nitrogen removal efficiency was more than 80% for 30 min vacuum stripping after adjusting the initial pH to above 9.5, and adjustment of the initial alkalinity also affects the pH value of liquid digestate. It was found that pH and alkalinity are the key factors influencing the ammonia nitrogen dissociation and removal efficiency, while temperature and vacuum mainly affect the ammonia nitrogen mass transfer and removal velocity. In terms of the mechanism of vacuum ammonia stripping, it underwent alkalinity destruction, pH enhancement, ammonia nitrogen dissociation, and free ammonia removal. In this study, two-stage experiments of alkalinity destruction and ammonia removal were also carried out, which showed that the two-stage configuration was beneficial for ammonia removal. It provides a theoretical basis and practical technology for the vacuum ammonia stripping from liquid digestate of organic solid waste.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qiuhong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Donghai Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Xiang Chen
- YANGTZE Eco-Environment Engineering Research Center, National Engineering Research Center of Eco-environment Protection for Yangtze River Economic Belt, China Three Gorges Corporation, Wuhan 430010, China
| | - Xiankai Wang
- YANGTZE Eco-Environment Engineering Research Center, National Engineering Research Center of Eco-environment Protection for Yangtze River Economic Belt, China Three Gorges Corporation, Wuhan 430010, China
| | - Bin Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Xiaohu Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Luo J, Zhao C, Huang W, Wang F, Fang F, Su L, Wang D, Wu Y. A holistic valorization of treasured waste activated sludge for directional high-valued products recovery: Routes, key technologies and challenges. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 262:119904. [PMID: 39270963 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.119904] [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: 07/12/2024] [Revised: 08/26/2024] [Accepted: 08/30/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024]
Abstract
Global energy shortages and environmental crises underscore the imperative for a circular economy to tackle resource scarcity and waste management. The circular economy model encourages the recovery and reuse of valuable materials, reducing reliance on finite natural resources and lessening the environmental impact of waste disposal. Among urban organic solid wastes, waste activated sludge (WAS) emerges as a potent reservoir of untapped resources (including various inorganic and organic ones) offering significant potential for recovery. This review delves into a comprehensive analysis of directional valorization of WAS to recover high-valued products, including the inorganic matters (i.e. phosphorus, ammonia nitrogen, and heavy metals), organic resources (i.e. extracellular polymers like alginate and protein, volatile fatty acid, methane, hydrogen, and plant growth hormones) and reutilization of WAS residues for the preparation of adsorbent materials - the biochar. Moreover, the main recovery methodologies associated influencing parameters, product application, and attendant challenges for those diverse recovered resources are unveiled. Future research are encouraged to prioritize the development of integrated multi-resource recovery approaches, the establishment of regulatory frameworks to support resource recovery and product utilization, and the systematic evaluation of disposal strategies to foster a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. This work illuminates avenues for sustainable WAS management with high-valued resource recovery towards circular economy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jingyang Luo
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, Hohai University, 1 Xikang Road, Nanjing, 210098, China; College of Environment, Hohai University, 1 Xikang Road, Nanjing, 210098, China.
| | - Chenxin Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, Hohai University, 1 Xikang Road, Nanjing, 210098, China; College of Environment, Hohai University, 1 Xikang Road, Nanjing, 210098, China
| | - Wenxuan Huang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, Hohai University, 1 Xikang Road, Nanjing, 210098, China; College of Environment, Hohai University, 1 Xikang Road, Nanjing, 210098, China
| | - Feng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, Hohai University, 1 Xikang Road, Nanjing, 210098, China; College of Environment, Hohai University, 1 Xikang Road, Nanjing, 210098, China
| | - Fang Fang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, Hohai University, 1 Xikang Road, Nanjing, 210098, China; College of Environment, Hohai University, 1 Xikang Road, Nanjing, 210098, China
| | - Lianghu Su
- Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Nanjing, 210042, China.
| | - Dongbo Wang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Ministry of Education), Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, China
| | - Yang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai, 200092, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Wu LJ, Li XX, Ye F, Liu YX, Yang F, Zhou Q, Lyu YK. Ammonia stripping by in situ biogas self-circulation to upgrade continuous thermophilic and mesophilic digestion of hydrothermal high-solid sludge. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2024; 402:130797. [PMID: 38705214 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2024.130797] [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: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
High-solid anaerobic digestion of hydrothermal sewage sludge has been developed. In order to upgrade the process by focusing on ammonia inhibition, a simply-equipped stripping system without additional alkali or heat supply was introduced by in situ biogas self-circulation. As the determined limit of total ammonia nitrogen at 1500 mg/L and 1000 mg/L for the mesophilic (MAD) and thermophilic anaerobic digestion (TAD) respectively and stripping rate at 5 L/min, continuous MAD and TAD was conducted in parallel. The stripping system successfully polished up the ammonia inhibition, and methanogenic capability of the TAD was promoted to approximately 90.0 % of the potential. Intermittent stripping mode proved usable. More frequent stripping was inevitable for the TAD as compared to the MAD. Hydraulic retention time below 20 d resulted in failure of the stripping mode due to rapid ammonia generation. Overall, this technology was practical in upgrading high-solid sludge digestion by effective ammonia control.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Li-Jie Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Clean and Efficient Coal Utilization, College of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan 030024, Shanxi, China; Key Laboratory of Coal Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, College of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan 030024, Shanxi, China.
| | - Xiao-Xiao Li
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Jinzhong 030600, Shanxi, China
| | - Fei Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Clean and Efficient Coal Utilization, College of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan 030024, Shanxi, China; Key Laboratory of Coal Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, College of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan 030024, Shanxi, China
| | - Yu-Xiang Liu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Jinzhong 030600, Shanxi, China
| | - Fan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Clean and Efficient Coal Utilization, College of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan 030024, Shanxi, China; Key Laboratory of Coal Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, College of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan 030024, Shanxi, China
| | - Quan Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Clean and Efficient Coal Utilization, College of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan 030024, Shanxi, China; Key Laboratory of Coal Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, College of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan 030024, Shanxi, China
| | - Yong-Kang Lyu
- State Key Laboratory of Clean and Efficient Coal Utilization, College of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan 030024, Shanxi, China; Key Laboratory of Coal Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, College of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan 030024, Shanxi, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Wu ZF, Li ZL, Liu QH, Yang ZM. Magnetite-boosted syntrophic conversion of acetate to methane during thermophilic anaerobic digestion. WATER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY : A JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION ON WATER POLLUTION RESEARCH 2024; 89:160-169. [PMID: 38214992 PMCID: wst_2023_421 DOI: 10.2166/wst.2023.421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
Using a batch thermophilic anaerobic system established with 60 mL serum bottles, the mechanism on how microbial enrichments obtained from magnetite-amended paddy soil via repeated batch cultivation affected methane production from acetate was investigated. Magnetite-amended enrichments (MAEs) can improve the methane production rate rather than the methane yield. Compared with magnetite-unamended enrichments, the methane production rate in MAE was improved by 50%, concomitant with the pronounced electrochemical response, high electron transfer capacity, and fast acetate degradation. The promoting effects might be ascribed to direct interspecies electron transfer facilitated by magnetite, where magnetite might function as electron conduits to link the acetate oxidizers (Anaerolineaceae and Peptococcaceae) with methanogens (Methanosarcinaceae). The findings demonstrated the potential application of MAE for boosting methanogenic performance during thermophilic anaerobic digestion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zi-Fan Wu
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Pollution Control & Resource Reuse, College of Environmental and Resource Science, College of Carbon Neutral Modern Industry, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China; These authors contributed equally to this work. E-mail:
| | - Zhao-Long Li
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Fujian Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Fuzhou, China; These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Qing-Hua Liu
- College of Resources and Environment, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zhi-Man Yang
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Pollution Control & Resource Reuse, College of Environmental and Resource Science, College of Carbon Neutral Modern Industry, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Pasciucco F, Pecorini I, Iannelli R. Centralization of wastewater treatment in a tourist area: A comparative LCA considering the impact of seasonal changes. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 897:165390. [PMID: 37423286 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Nowadays, environmental protection has become a topic of primary importance, and the interest in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) has increased due to the need for a paradigm shift from linear to circular economy. The centralization level of wastewater infrastructure is the basis for a successful system. The aim of this study was to investigate the environmental impacts generated from the centralized treatment of wastewater in a tourist area in central Italy. The combined use of BioWin 6.2 simulation software and life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology was implemented to evaluate the potential connection of a small decentralized WWTP to a medium-size centralized facility. Two different scenarios (decentralized system, corresponding to the current situation, and centralized) were evaluated in two separate periods: high season (HS), corresponding to the main tourist season, and low season (LS), which is the period before the main tourist season. Two sensitivity analyses were conducted, assuming different N2O emission factors, and considering the period at the end of tourist season, respectively. Although with modest advantages (up to -6 % in pollutant emissions), WWTP connection was the best management option in 10 out of 11 indicators in HS, and 6 out of 11 categories in LS. The study showed that wastewater centralization was promoted by scale factors in HS, as the most impactful consumptions decreased as the degree of centralization increased; on the other hand, the decentralized system was less penalized in LS, as small WWTP was less stressed and energy consuming in this period. Sensitivity analysis confirmed the results obtained. Site-specific conditions can lead to conflicting circumstances, as key parameters may have different behaviors depending on seasonal variations, and the degree of centralization in tourist areas should be addressed by distinguishing separate periods, based on changes in tourist flows and pollution loads.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Pasciucco
- Department of Energy, Systems, Territory and Construction Engineering (DESTEC), University of Pisa, 56122 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Isabella Pecorini
- Department of Energy, Systems, Territory and Construction Engineering (DESTEC), University of Pisa, 56122 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Renato Iannelli
- Department of Energy, Systems, Territory and Construction Engineering (DESTEC), University of Pisa, 56122 Pisa, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Sniatala B, Kurniawan TA, Sobotka D, Makinia J, Othman MHD. Macro-nutrients recovery from liquid waste as a sustainable resource for production of recovered mineral fertilizer: Uncovering alternative options to sustain global food security cost-effectively. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 856:159283. [PMID: 36208738 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Global food security, which has emerged as one of the sustainability challenges, impacts every country. As food cannot be generated without involving nutrients, research has intensified recently to recover unused nutrients from waste streams. As a finite resource, phosphorus (P) is largely wasted. This work critically reviews the technical applicability of various water technologies to recover macro-nutrients such as P, N, and K from wastewater. Struvite precipitation, adsorption, ion exchange, and membrane filtration are applied for nutrient recovery. Technological strengths and drawbacks in their applications are evaluated and compared. Their operational conditions such as pH, dose required, initial nutrient concentration, and treatment performance are presented. Cost-effectiveness of the technologies for P or N recovery is also elaborated. It is evident from a literature survey of 310 published studies (1985-2022) that no single technique can effectively and universally recover target macro-nutrients from liquid waste. Struvite precipitation is commonly used to recover over 95 % of P from sludge digestate with its concentration ranging from 200 to 4000 mg/L. The recovered precipitate can be reused as a fertilizer due to its high content of P and N. Phosphate removal of higher than 80 % can be achieved by struvite precipitation when the molar ratio of Mg2+/PO43- ranges between 1.1 and 1.3. The applications of artificial intelligence (AI) to collect data on critical parameters control optimization, improve treatment effectiveness, and facilitate water utilities to upscale water treatment plants. Such infrastructure in the plants could enable the recovered materials to be reused to sustain food security. As nutrient recovery is crucial in wastewater treatment, water treatment plant operators need to consider (1) the costs of nutrient recovery techniques; (2) their applicability; (3) their benefits and implications. It is essential to note that the treatment cost of P and/or N-laden wastewater depends on the process applied and local conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bogna Sniatala
- Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Gdańsk University of Technology, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Tonni Agustiono Kurniawan
- Advanced Membrane Technology Research Centre (AMTEC), Faculty of Chemical and Energy Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310 Skudai, Johor, Malaysia.
| | - Dominika Sobotka
- Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Gdańsk University of Technology, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Jacek Makinia
- Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Gdańsk University of Technology, Gdańsk, Poland.
| | - Mohd Hafiz Dzarfan Othman
- Advanced Membrane Technology Research Centre (AMTEC), Faculty of Chemical and Energy Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310 Skudai, Johor, Malaysia
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Chojnacka K, Skrzypczak D, Szopa D, Izydorczyk G, Moustakas K, Witek-Krowiak A. Management of biological sewage sludge: Fertilizer nitrogen recovery as the solution to fertilizer crisis. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 326:116602. [PMID: 36375429 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.116602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
In the current situation of a serious raw material crisis related to the disruption of supply chains, the bioeconomy is of particular significance. Rising prices and the problem with the availability of natural gas have made N fertilizers production very expensive. It is expected that due to natural gas shortages, conventional production of nitrogen fertilizers by chemical synthesis will be hindered in the coming season. An important alternative and an opportunity to solve the problems of fertilizer nitrogen availability are biological wastewater treatment plants, which can be treated as a renewable biological nitrogen mines. Sewage sludge (including activated sludge) contains up to 6-8% DM. N. Considering the quantity of sewage sludge generated in wastewater treatment plants, it can become an important raw material for the sustainable production of organic-mineral fertilizers from renewable resources available locally, with a low carbon footprint. Furthermore, the sewage sludge management method should take nitrogen retention into account and should not allow the emission of greenhouse gases containing nitrogen. This article analyzes the technological solutions of nitrogen recovery for fertilization purposes from biological wastewater treatment plants in the context of a new and difficult resource situation. Conventional and new nitrogen recovery methods were analyzed from the perspective of the current legal situation. An attempt was made to evaluate the possibility of implementing the assumptions of the circular economy through the recovery of renewable nitrogen resources from municipal wastewater treatment plants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Chojnacka
- Department of Advanced Material Technologies, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wroclaw, Lower Silesia, 50-370, Poland
| | - Dawid Skrzypczak
- Department of Advanced Material Technologies, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wroclaw, Lower Silesia, 50-370, Poland.
| | - Daniel Szopa
- Department of Advanced Material Technologies, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wroclaw, Lower Silesia, 50-370, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Izydorczyk
- Department of Advanced Material Technologies, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wroclaw, Lower Silesia, 50-370, Poland
| | - Konstantinos Moustakas
- School of Chemical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, 9 Iroon Polytechniou Str., Zographou Campus, GR-15780 Athens, Greece
| | - Anna Witek-Krowiak
- Department of Advanced Material Technologies, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wroclaw, Lower Silesia, 50-370, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Yang D, Chen Q, Liu R, Song L, Zhang Y, Dai X. Ammonia recovery from anaerobic digestate: State of the art, challenges and prospects. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2022; 363:127957. [PMID: 36113813 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2022.127957] [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: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Nitrogen-containing wastewater and organic wastes are inevitably produced during human activities. To reduce nitrogen pollution, much energy has been used to convert ammonia nitrogen into nitrogen gas through biological nitrogen removal method. However, it needs to consume high energy again during industrial nitrogen fixation, which give rise to massive greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Therefore, ammonia recovery from organic wastes has attracted much attention in recent years. In this review, the advantages and disadvantages of ammonia stripping, membrane separation and struvite precipitation are discussed firstly. The ammonia stripping mechanisms, influencing factors, mass transfer process, and the latest innovative ammonia stripping techniques from the anaerobic digestate of organic wastes are critically reviewed. Additionally, a comprehensive economic analysis of different ammonia removal or recovery processes is carried out. The challenges and prospects of ammonia recovery are suggested. Ammonia recovery is of great significance for promoting nitrogen cycle, energy saving and GHG emission reduction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Donghai Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Qiuhong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Rui Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Liang Song
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- China Civil Engineering Society Water Industry Association, Beijing 100082, China
| | - Xiaohu Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai 200092, China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Morello R, Di Capua F, Esposito G, Pirozzi F, Fratino U, Spasiano D. Sludge minimization in mainstream wastewater treatment: Mechanisms, strategies, technologies, and current development. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2022; 319:115756. [PMID: 35982561 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.115756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Excess sludge production in wastewater treatment plants has become an enormous environmental issue worldwide mainly due to the increased efforts towards wastewater purification. Researchers and plant operators are looking for technological solutions to reduce sludge production through the upgrading of existing technologies and configurations or by substituting them with alternative solutions. Several strategies have been identified to reduce sludge production, including the use of biological and physical-chemical methods (or a combination of them) and novel technologies, although many have not been sufficiently tested at full-scale. To select the most suitable system for sludge reduction, understanding the reduction mechanisms, advantages, disadvantages, and the economic and environmental impact of each technology is essential. This work offers a comprehensive and critical overview of mainstream sludge reduction technologies and underlying mechanisms from laboratory to full scale, and describes potential application, configuration, and integration with conventional systems. Research needs are highlighted, and a techno-economic-environmental comparison of the existing technologies is also proposed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raffaele Morello
- Department of Civil, Environmental, Land, Building Engineering and Chemistry, Polytechnic University of Bari, Via E. Orabona 4, 70125, Bari, Italy; Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (Di.S.A.A.T), University of Bari, Via Amendola165/A, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Francesco Di Capua
- Department of Civil, Environmental, Land, Building Engineering and Chemistry, Polytechnic University of Bari, Via E. Orabona 4, 70125, Bari, Italy.
| | - Giovanni Esposito
- Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, University of Naples Federico II, Via Claudio 21, 80125 Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Pirozzi
- Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, University of Naples Federico II, Via Claudio 21, 80125 Naples, Italy
| | - Umberto Fratino
- Department of Civil, Environmental, Land, Building Engineering and Chemistry, Polytechnic University of Bari, Via E. Orabona 4, 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Danilo Spasiano
- Department of Civil, Environmental, Land, Building Engineering and Chemistry, Polytechnic University of Bari, Via E. Orabona 4, 70125, Bari, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Palakodeti A, Rupani PF, Azman S, Dewil R, Appels L. Novel approach to ammonia recovery from anaerobic digestion via side-stream stripping at multiple pH levels. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2022; 361:127685. [PMID: 35878773 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2022.127685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Ammonia recovery from anaerobic digesters via side-stream stripping is a technique to recover nitrogen from manure wastes. This study demonstrated a novel approach to determining ammonia recovery to maintain total ammonia concentrations in the digester in the range of 1.7-2.1 gN/L. Increasing the pH during stripping from 8, 8.5 to 9.5 did not affect the stability of the digester. Methane yields of 60-80 mL/(gVS.d) and volatile fatty acid concentrations of 0-500 mg/L were reported throughout its operation. The low solubilisation increase upon recirculation of the digestate explained the lack of change in methane yields due to side-stream stripping. Increasing the pH during stripping also did not affect the digester's operating pH, which was attributed to the neutralising effect of biogas as stripping gas. Therefore, total ammonia concentrations in the digester can be controlled by determining the extent of ammonia recovery, and the pH during stripping can be increased without compromising the digester's stability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Advait Palakodeti
- KU Leuven, Department of Chemical Engineering, Process and Environmental Technology Lab, J. De Nayerlaan 5, B-2860 Sint-Katelijne-Waver, Belgium.
| | - Parveen Fatemeh Rupani
- KU Leuven, Department of Chemical Engineering, Process and Environmental Technology Lab, J. De Nayerlaan 5, B-2860 Sint-Katelijne-Waver, Belgium.
| | - Samet Azman
- Avans University of Applied Sciences, Academy of Life Sciences and Technology, Lovensdijkstraat 61, 4818 AJ, Breda, Netherlands
| | - Raf Dewil
- KU Leuven, Department of Chemical Engineering, Process and Environmental Technology Lab, J. De Nayerlaan 5, B-2860 Sint-Katelijne-Waver, Belgium; University of Oxford, Department of Engineering Science, Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PJ, United Kingdom.
| | - Lise Appels
- KU Leuven, Department of Chemical Engineering, Process and Environmental Technology Lab, J. De Nayerlaan 5, B-2860 Sint-Katelijne-Waver, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Di Capua F, Iannacone F, Sabba F, Esposito G. Simultaneous nitrification-denitrification in biofilm systems for wastewater treatment: Key factors, potential routes, and engineered applications. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2022; 361:127702. [PMID: 35905872 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2022.127702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Simultaneous nitrification-denitrification (SND) is an advantageous bioprocess that allows the complete removal of ammonia nitrogen through sequential redox reactions leading to nitrogen gas production. SND can govern nitrogen removal in single-stage biofilm systems, such as the moving bed biofilm reactor and aerobic granular sludge system, as oxygen gradients allow the development of multilayered biofilms including nitrifying and denitrifying bacteria. Environmental and operational conditions can strongly influence SND performance, biofilm development and biochemical pathways. Recent advances have outlined the possibility to reduce the carbon and energy consumption of the process via the "shortcut pathway", and simultaneously remove both N and phosphorus under specific operational conditions, opening new possibilities for wastewater treatment. This work critically reviews the factors influencing SND and its application in biofilm systems from laboratory to full scale. Operational strategies to enhance SND efficiency and hints to reduce nitrous oxide emission and operational costs are provided.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Di Capua
- Department of Civil, Environmental, Land, Building Engineering and Chemistry, Polytechnic University of Bari, Bari 70125, Italy.
| | | | | | - Giovanni Esposito
- Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, University of Naples Federico II, Via Claudio 21, Naples 80125, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Trancone G, Spasiano D, Race M, Luongo V, Petrella A, Pirozzi F, Fratino U, Piccinni AF. A combined system for asbestos-cement waste degradation by dark fermentation and resulting supernatant valorization in anaerobic digestion. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 300:134500. [PMID: 35395263 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.134500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The use of biological processes for the treatment of asbestos cement waste (ACW) has gained interest in recent years. Nevertheless, this methodology is not yet consolidated because of the incomplete ACW conversion during the biological treatment and the consequent need for further treatments that generally require a high amount of energy and chemicals. In this study, the efficiency of both mesophilic and thermophilic dark fermentation (DF) fed with glucose in fed-batch conditions was assessed for ACW biological treatment. Both thermophilic and mesophilic DF of glucose resulted in a partial conversion of glucose into organic acids that successfully degraded all the asbestos fibers contained in an ACW sample. A hydrogen-rich biogas was produced as well: at the end of the mesophilic DF treatment 0.14 LH2 gglucose-1 were obtained. In addition, the anaerobic digestion (AD) of the DF supernatants led to the production of 0.38 LCH4 gCOD-1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G Trancone
- Department of Civil, Building and Environmental Engineering, University of Naples Federico II, Via Claudio, 21, 80125, Napoli, Italy
| | - D Spasiano
- Department of Civil, Environmental, Land, Building Engineering and Chemistry, Polytechnic University of Bari, Via E. Orabona, 4, 70125, Bari, Italy.
| | - M Race
- Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, Università di Cassino e del Lazio Meridionale, Viale dell'Università, 03043, Cassino, Italy
| | - V Luongo
- Department of Mathematics and Applications "Renato Caccioppoli", University of Naples Federico II, Via Cintia, Monte S. Angelo, Napoli, 80126, Italy
| | - A Petrella
- Department of Civil, Environmental, Land, Building Engineering and Chemistry, Polytechnic University of Bari, Via E. Orabona, 4, 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - F Pirozzi
- Department of Civil, Building and Environmental Engineering, University of Naples Federico II, Via Claudio, 21, 80125, Napoli, Italy
| | - U Fratino
- Department of Civil, Environmental, Land, Building Engineering and Chemistry, Polytechnic University of Bari, Via E. Orabona, 4, 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - A F Piccinni
- Department of Civil, Environmental, Land, Building Engineering and Chemistry, Polytechnic University of Bari, Via E. Orabona, 4, 70125, Bari, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Nitrogen Recovery from Different Livestock Slurries with an Innovative Stripping Process. SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14137709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
Ammonia (NH3) emissions deriving from the management of livestock manure have a significant environmental impact, and therefore it is important to reduce them. Among the available options, the process of NH3 stripping is promising to remove NH3 from manures and digestates recovering it as a mineral fertilizer (e.g., ammonium sulfate) that is more widely adoptable on farms. The traditional stripping process takes place in batches; however, in this study, a continuous process was evaluated using a lab scale plant in which four reactors were used in series with different hydraulic retention times (HRTs) of 12 or 20 days. The NH3 recovery of each reactor was studied for the liquid fraction of pig slurry, dairy cattle slurry and digestate, applying simple headspace aeration. For 20 days of HRT, totals of 92%, 83% and 67% of NH3 were stripped from the digestate, pig slurry and dairy cattle slurry, respectively. For 12 days of HRT, total NH3 recoveries were 83%, 60% and 41% for the digestate, pig slurry and dairy cattle slurry, respectively. The inlet NH3 concentration and inlet total alkalinity had a positive and negative effect, respectively, on the specific NH3 removal rate for each reactor. Stripping NH3 on farm scale can abate NH3 emissions in response to the environmental concerns of European policies.
Collapse
|
16
|
Xu R, Fang S, Zhang L, Cheng X, Huang W, Wang F, Fang F, Cao J, Wang D, Luo J. Revealing the intrinsic drawbacks of waste activated sludge for efficient anaerobic digestion and the potential mitigation strategies. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2022; 345:126482. [PMID: 34864182 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2021.126482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 11/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Anaerobic digestion (AD) is an effective approach for waste activated sludge (WAS) disposal with substantial recovery of valuable substrates. Previous studies have extensively explored the correlations of common operational parameters with AD efficiency, but the impacts of intrinsic characteristics of WAS on the AD processes are generally underestimated. This study focused on disclosing the association of intrinsic drawbacks in WAS with AD performance, and found that the cemented WAS structure, low fraction of biomass and various high levels of inhibitory pollutants (e.g., organic pollutants and heavy metals), as the integral parts of WAS all greatly restricted the AD performance. The main potential strategies and underlying mechanisms to mitigate the restrictions for efficient WAS digestion, including the practical pretreatment methods, bioaugmentation and aided substances addition, were critically analyzed. Also, future directions for the improvement of WAS digestion were proposed from the perspectives of technical, management and economic aspects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Runze Xu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
| | - Shiyu Fang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
| | - Le Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
| | - Xiaoshi Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
| | - Wenxuan Huang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
| | - Feng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
| | - Fang Fang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
| | - Jiashun Cao
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
| | - Dongbo Wang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Jingyang Luo
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Herrera A, D’Imporzano G, Zilio M, Pigoli A, Rizzi B, Meers E, Schouman O, Schepis M, Barone F, Giordano A, Adani F. Environmental Performance in the Production and Use of Recovered Fertilizers from Organic Wastes Treated by Anaerobic Digestion vs Synthetic Mineral Fertilizers. ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING 2022; 10:986-997. [PMID: 35087697 PMCID: PMC8785226 DOI: 10.1021/acssuschemeng.1c07028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Recovered fertilizers (RFs), in the form of digestate and digestate-derived ammonium sulfate, were produced from organic wastes by thermophilic anaerobic digestion (AD) at full scale. RFs were then used for crop production (maize), substituting synthetic mineral fertilizers (SFs). Environmental impacts due to both RF and SF production and use were studied by a life cycle assessment (LCA) approach using, as much as possible, data directly measured at full scale. The functional unit chosen was referred to as the fertilization of 1 ha of maize, as this paper intends to investigate the impacts of the use of RF (Scenario RF) for crop fertilization compared to that of SF (Scenario SF). Scenario RF showed better environmental performances than the system encompassing the production and use of urea and synthetic fertilizers (Scenario SF). In particular, for the Scenario RF, 11 of the 18 categories showed a lower impact than the Scenario SF, and 3 of the categories (ionizing radiation, fossil resource scarcity, and water consumption) showed net negative impacts in Scenario RF, getting the benefits from the credit for renewable energy production by AD. The LCA approach also allowed proposing precautions able to reduce further fertilizer impacts, resulting in total negative impacts in using RF for crop production. Anaerobic digestion represents the key to propose a sustainable approach in producing renewable fertilizers, thanks to both energy production and the modification that occurs to waste during a biological process, leaving a substrate (digestate) with high amending and fertilizing properties.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Axel Herrera
- Gruppo
Ricicla—DiSAA, Università
degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Giuliana D’Imporzano
- Gruppo
Ricicla—DiSAA, Università
degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Massimo Zilio
- Gruppo
Ricicla—DiSAA, Università
degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Ambrogio Pigoli
- Gruppo
Ricicla—DiSAA, Università
degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Bruno Rizzi
- Gruppo
Ricicla—DiSAA, Università
degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Erik Meers
- Department
of Green Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, University of Ghent, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Oscar Schouman
- Alterra,
Part of Wageningen UR, P.O. Box 47, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Micol Schepis
- Acqua
& Sole s.r.l., Via
Giulio Natta, 27010 Vellezzo Bellini, PV, Italy
| | - Federica Barone
- Acqua
& Sole s.r.l., Via
Giulio Natta, 27010 Vellezzo Bellini, PV, Italy
| | - Andrea Giordano
- Acqua
& Sole s.r.l., Via
Giulio Natta, 27010 Vellezzo Bellini, PV, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Adani
- Gruppo
Ricicla—DiSAA, Università
degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milano, Italy
- . Phone: +3902-50316545
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Exploiting the Nutrient Potential of Anaerobically Digested Sewage Sludge: A Review. ENERGIES 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/en14238149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The world is currently witnessing a rapid increase in sewage sludge (SS) production, due to the increased demand for wastewater treatment. Therefore, SS management is crucial for the economic and environmental sustainability of wastewater treatment plants. The recovery of nutrients from SS has been identified as a fundamental step to enable the transition from a linear to a circular economy, turning SS into an economic and sustainable source of materials. SS is often treated via anaerobic digestion, to pursue energy recovery via biogas generation. Anaerobically digested sewage sludge (ADS) is a valuable source of organic matter and nutrients, and significant advances have been made in recent years in methods and technologies for nutrient recovery from ADS. The purpose of this study is to provide a comprehensive overview, describing the advantages and drawbacks of the available and emerging technologies for recovery of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) from ADS. This work critically reviews the established and novel technologies, which are classified by their ability to recover a specific nutrient (ammonia stripping) or to allow the simultaneous recovery of multiple elements (struvite precipitation, ion exchange, membrane technologies, and thermal treatments). This study compares the described technologies in terms of nutrient recovery efficiency, capital, and operational costs, as well as their feasibility for full-scale application, revealing the current state of the art and future perspectives on this topic.
Collapse
|
19
|
Enhancing Efficiency of Anaerobic Digestion by Optimization of Mixing Regimes Using Helical Ribbon Impeller. FERMENTATION 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/fermentation7040251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The appropriate mixing system and approach to effective management can provide favorable conditions for the highly sensitive microbial community, which can ensure process stability and efficiency in an anaerobic digester. In this study, the effect of mixing intensity on biogas production in a lab-scale anaerobic digester has been investigated experimentally and via modeling. Considering high mixing efficiency and unique feature of producing axial flow, helical ribbon (HR) impeller is used for mixing the slurry in this experiment under various conditions. Three parallel digesters were analyzed under identical operating conditions for comparative study and high accuracy. Effects of different mixing speeds (10, 30, and 67 rpm for 5 min h−1) on biogas production rate were determined in 5-L lab-scale digesters. The results demonstrated 15–18% higher biogas production at higher mixing speed (67 rpm) as compared to 10 rpm and 30 rpm and the results proved statistically significant (p < 0.05). Biogas production at 10, 30, and 67 rpm were 45.6, 48.6, and 52.5 L, respectively. Higher VFA concentrations (7.67 g L−1) were recorded at lower mixing intensity but there was no significant difference in pH and ammonia at different speeds whereas the better mixing efficiency at higher speeds was also the main reason for increase in biogas production. Furthermore, model simulation calculations revealed the reduction of dead zones and better homogeneous mixing at higher mixing speeds. Reduction of dead zones from 18% at 10 rpm to 2% at 67 rpm was observed, which can be the major factor in significant difference in biogas production rates at various mixing intensities. Optimization of digester and impeller geometry should be a prime focus to scale-up digesters and to optimize mixing in full-scale digesters.
Collapse
|
20
|
Microaerobic Digestion of Low-Biodegradable Sewage Sludge: Effect of Air Dosing in Batch Reactors. SUSTAINABILITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/su13179869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The adoption of prolonged solid retention times during the biological treatment of urban wastewaters is a well-known strategy to reduce sewage sludge production. However, it also results in the production of a biological sludge with low percentages of biodegradable organic matter, also characterized by high humification degrees, which may hamper the anaerobic digestion treatment aimed at sludge stabilization. To accelerate the hydrolytic stage, the application of microaerobic conditions during the anaerobic digestion of low-biodegradable sewage sludge was investigated in this study. In particular, six bio-methanation tests of a real sewage sludge were carried out, introducing air in the bioreactors with doses ranging between 0 and 16.83 L air/kg VSin d, in order to evaluate the air dosage that optimizes the biomethane production and organic matter degradation. Notably, the lower air loading rates investigated in this study, such as 0.68 and 1.37 L air/kg VSin d, led to an increase in methane production of up to 19%, due to a higher degradation of total lipids and proteins. In addition, these microaerobic conditions also resulted in a decrease in the sludge humification degree and in lower volatile fatty acid accumulation.
Collapse
|