We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Environmental Performance of Nitrogen Recovery from Reject Water of Sewage Sludge Treatment Based on Life Cycle Assessment
Summary
This study used life cycle assessment to evaluate nitrogen recovery from sewage sludge reject water via air stripping and biochar adsorption, finding that both methods can reduce environmental impacts compared to conventional fossil-based fertilizer production.
Recovering and recycling nitrogen available in waste streams would reduce the demand for conventional fossil-based fertilizers and contribute toward food security. Based on life cycle assessment (LCA), this study aimed to evaluate the environmental performance of nitrogen recovery for fertilizer purposes from sewage sludge treatment in a municipal wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). Utilizing either air stripping or pyrolysis-derived biochar adsorbent, nitrogen was recovered from ammonium-rich reject streams generated during mechanical dewatering and thermal drying of anaerobically digested sewage sludge. A wide range of results was obtained between different scenarios and different impact categories. Biochar-based nitrogen recovery showed the lowest global warming potential with net negative GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions of −22.5 kt CO2,eq/FU (functional unit). Ammonia capture through air stripping caused a total GHG emission of 2 kt CO2,eq/FU; while in the base case scenario without nitrogen recovery, a slightly lower GHG emission of 0.2 kt CO2,eq/FU was obtained. This study contributes an analysis promoting the multifunctional nature of wastewater systems with integrated resource recovery for potential environmental and health benefits.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Life cycle assessment of sewage sludge treatment: Comparison of pyrolysis with traditional methods in two Swedish municipalities
Researchers compared pyrolysis, a heat-based treatment that converts sewage sludge into biochar, against traditional disposal methods in two Swedish municipalities using life cycle assessment. They found that using biochar as a fertilizer replacement offered significant environmental benefits, and combining anaerobic digestion with pyrolysis was the most environmentally friendly option. The approach also has the advantage of breaking down pollutants like microplastics and pathogens present in sewage sludge.
Nitrogen Removal from Landfill Leachate Using Biochar Derived from Wheat Straw
Researchers tested biochar derived from wheat straw for removing nitrogen from landfill leachate. The study found that wheat straw biochar was more efficient than commercial activated carbon for nitrogen adsorption, suggesting a cost-effective and sustainable approach to treating high-pollutant landfill wastewater.
A critical review of biochar-based nitrogen fertilizers and their effects on crop production and the environment
Researchers reviewed biochar-based nitrogen fertilizers — materials that combine charred organic matter with nitrogen — as a way to reduce fertilizer loss to the environment, which currently contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and water pollution, while improving crop yields and soil health.
Opportunities regarding the use of technologies of energy recovery from sewage sludge
This review evaluated pyrolysis, gasification, and incineration as energy recovery technologies for sewage sludge management, finding pyrolysis advantageous due to low emissions, reduced heavy metal mobility, and useful by-products including bio-gas, bio-oil, and bio-char adsorbents.
Feasibility of Biochar Derived from Sewage Sludge to Promote Sustainable Agriculture and Mitigate GHG Emissions—A Review
This review assessed the feasibility of using biochar derived from sewage sludge to promote sustainable agriculture and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The study found that pyrolysis temperature significantly affects biochar properties, and that sewage sludge biochar can improve soil characteristics and plant health, though careful assessment of potential contaminants is needed before widespread agricultural application.