Article
Environmental Sciences
Yunfeng Xu, Jingyan Chen, Fei Yang, Yangfan Fang, Guangren Qian
Summary: Increasing temperature and time can promote the volatilization of non-apatite inorganic phosphorus (NAIP), while magnesium chloride (MgCl2) and calcium chloride (CaCl2) can greatly facilitate the conversion of NAIP to apatite phosphorus (AP). Research findings suggest that chlorine additives in sewage sludge incineration can help achieve higher bioavailability of phosphorus-containing minerals.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Matej Husek, Jaroslav Mosko, Michael Pohorely
Summary: With the growing emphasis on environmental protection, this review analyses different methods of sewage sludge treatment in terms of potential environmental risk and raw materials recovery. The study suggests that direct use of sewage sludge in agriculture should no longer be considered as a source of nutrients and organic matter due to its pollutant content. The review also highlights pyrolysis as a sustainable method for sludge treatment in remote locations with low heavy metal content, and discusses different technologies for recovering phosphorus from sludge ash.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Ya Zhu, Yunbo Zhai, Shanhong Li, Xiangmin Liu, Bei Wang, Xiaoping Liu, Yuwei Fan, Haoran Shi, Caiting Li, Yun Zhu
Summary: This paper reviews methods for recovering different forms of phosphorus from solid products obtained from different sludge thermal treatment methods, as well as the bioavailability of the recovered phosphorus products. Incineration of sewage sludge is currently the most established and effective method for recovering phosphorus, while one wet chemical method has been commercialized and is expected to be further developed for industrial applications in the future. Pyrolysis and hydrothermal carbonization still have research gaps, but both have the potential to recover phosphorus and should be further explored based on their principles and laboratory performance.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Andrea C. Guhl, Sabine Gilbricht, Carsten Paetzold, Bernhard Schulz, Martin Bertau
Summary: Understanding the associations of phosphate compounds in sewage sludge ash is crucial for efficient recycling and recovery of phosphorus. Automated mineralogy systems provide a deeper insight into the phase associations of phosphate-bearing phases in ash. Failing to comprehend these associations may lead to inefficient processes and hinder resource recovery efforts.
MINERALS ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Bingxian Peng, Yongbo Zhu, Lixia Tang
Summary: This paper investigates the conversion of P and the release of F and Cl after sludge incineration, and discusses the agricultural application and environmental pollution caused by sludge incineration ash.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Charlotte Nilsson, Viktor Sjoberg, Anna Grandin, Stefan Karlsson, Bert Allard, Thomas von Kronhelm
Summary: Sewage sludge from municipal wastewater treatment plants can be a promising resource for phosphorus recovery, but its direct use as fertilizer is limited by its content of metals/metalloids and organic pollutants. Incineration is a suitable treatment method for sewage sludge, aiding in potential phosphorus recovery.
WASTE MANAGEMENT & RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Dorette Muller-Stover, Rhys Thompson, Changyong Lu, Tobias Pape Thomsen, Nadia Glaesner, Sander Bruun
Summary: Thermal conversion of phosphorus-rich waste materials offers advantages such as bioenergy generation and concentration of plant nutrients. The study found that particle size management and post-process oxidation can affect the plant availability of phosphorus in the final products. Different thermal processes modify the chemical and physical structure of the feedstock in varying ways, impacting phosphorus speciation and plant availability in the residual ashes or carbonization products.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Kunsen Lin, Youcai Zhao, Jia-Hong Kuo, Chiou-Liang Lin
Summary: Phosphorus and operating temperature have significant effects on the behavior and distribution of heavy metals in fluidized bed combustion. Experimental results showed that the presence of phosphorus led to easier particle agglomeration and different emission trends for Pb, Cd, and Cr. Higher temperatures promoted the volatilization of Pb and Cd, while the emission of Cr was influenced by the affinity of Al and Cr with Na in the incinerator. The distribution of heavy metals was found to be higher in both the coarsest and finest particles during agglomeration/defluidization.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Yao Xu, Longlong Zhang, Jiabin Chen, Tongcai Liu, Nan Li, Jiao Xu, Wenjun Yin, Dapeng Li, Yalei Zhang, Xuefei Zhou
Summary: This paper provides an overview of phosphorus transformation in sewage sludge incineration, characterization of sewage sludge ash components, and wet-chemical and thermochemical processes for phosphorus recovery with comprehensive technical, economic, and environmental assessment. Legislation is significant for promoting phosphorus recovery from sewage sludge ash due to weak economics.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Leslaw Swierczek, Bartlomiej Michal Cieslik, Piotr Konieczka
Summary: This article discusses the method of using sewage sludge ash (SSA) in cement building materials and its environmental benefits. In addition, the article analyzes the impact of SSA on the characteristics of building materials and the effectiveness of cement products in immobilizing contaminants.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Monika Kasina
Summary: Sewage sludge incineration ash is a rich source of phosphorus, which can be utilized as a substitute for natural phosphorus resources. This study found that sulfuric acid is the most effective in releasing phosphorus, while Na-EDTA compound is more efficient in extracting heavy metals and potentially toxic elements.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Minhsuan Chen, Kazuyuki Oshita, Masaki Takaoka, Kenji Shiota
Summary: The study evaluated the impact of sewage sludge phosphorus content on heavy metal behavior during co-incineration with municipal solid waste. It found that co-incineration delayed pyrolysis and polymer/fixed carbon incineration, resulting in increased sludge ratio and shifted weight loss peak. The study also observed a higher residual heavy metal ratio after sewage sludge mono-incineration compared to MSW. It further identified a synergistic effect of co-incineration on copper, but not on lead or cadmium.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Anna Jama-Rodzenska, Andrzej Bialowiec, Jacek A. Koziel, Jozef Sowinski
Summary: Phosphorus is a limited but essential resource that can be recovered from waste using the TRIZ approach. Recovery of phosphorus should be based on circular economy and 4Rs principles, considering various factors for successful selection and application of waste management and recovery methods.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Yuhan Zhu, Qian Zhao, Dongyue Li, Jun Li, Wei Guo
Summary: Determining the appropriate sludge type and pyrolysis temperature is crucial for the form and bioavailability of recovered phosphorus (P) during sludge pyrolysis. Higher pyrolysis temperature leads to more organic P transformation into inorganic P and conversion of non-apatite inorganic P into apatite P. Dewatered cake sludge pyrolyzed at 500°C has the highest concentration of bioavailable P and can be used as a direct P source, while dewatered cake sludge pyrolyzed at 700°C contains the highest concentration of apatite P and can be used as a slow-release P fertilizer.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Lorien Luyckx, Jo Van Caneghem
Summary: The study found that the efficiency of phosphorus extraction from sewage sludge ash varied with different incineration temperatures, while for acidic extraction liquids, the optimal P extraction efficiency was found in samples obtained around 850 degrees Celsius. Co-extraction of heavy metals generally decreased with increasing incineration temperature, possibly due to the immobilization of heavy metals in the SSA matrix.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xiaojian Liu, Bei Wang, Yayun Ma, Xiangyang Zhou, Juan Yang, Yuehui He, Jingjing Tang, Fanyun Su, Wan Yang
Summary: This study proposes a combined process of reduction roasting of herb-medicine residue and oxalic acid leaching to improve the recovery efficiency of lithium from spent lithium-ion batteries. By utilizing the reducing gas produced from the pyrolysis of herb-medicine residue, the layered structure of the cathode powder is destroyed and converted into Li2CO3, Ni, Co, and MnO. Additionally, selective extraction of lithium is achieved using oxalic acid, and the efficiency and kinetics of lithium extraction are improved under the combined action of herb-medicine residue and oxalic acid.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Muxina Konarova, Nuno Batalha, Gabriel Fraga, Mohamed H. M. Ahmed, Steven Pratt, Bronwyn Laycock
Summary: This study presents a proof of concept for a technology that integrates PET recovery from mixed plastic waste and plastic pyrolysis. By depolymerizing PET into TPA using a low volatility oil as medium, it achieves low-pressure operation and a selective separation and recovery of TPA from the product mix. Full PET conversion and high TPA recovery were achieved, making it an effective solution for processing mixed waste streams and improving the yield and quality of liquid product from thermal pyrolysis compared to untreated feedstock.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zhenhua Sun, Jing Li, Xuejiang Wang, Siqing Xia, Jianfu Zhao
Summary: This study investigated the influence of in-situ formed MgFe2O4 on the hydrothermal treatment of swine manure. The results showed that the in-situ formation of MgFe2O4 improved the dehydration and decarboxylation of organic components in swine manure, thereby improving its carbonization degree. Furthermore, it enhanced the stabilization of heavy metals and the retention of phosphorus. MgFe2O4 modified hydrochars exhibited remarkable adsorption capacity for Pb(II) and Cu(II) without any leaching of heavy metals.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yijing Jiang, Boyang Leng, Jingxin Xi
Summary: The increased generation of municipal solid waste has had a significant impact on the economy, environment, and public health. The current waste treatment process has limitations. By developing a comprehensive social costing model, this study assesses the impacts of municipal solid waste management throughout its life cycle and provides policymakers with best practices and feasibility information.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Marina Hernandes de Paula e Silva, Ricardo Coser Mergulha, Jose Geraldo Vidal Vieira, Andrea Brasco Pampanelli, Rodrigo Salvador, Diogo Aparecido Lopes Silva
Summary: This study developed and implemented a self-assessment tool to assist companies in decision-making processes for establishing circular flows based on Lean Manufacturing and Circular Economy principles. The tool utilized a maturity model and was applied to nine companies of varying characteristics. The findings revealed that certain companies showed higher maturity in water-waste and chemical-emissions management, with larger enterprises focusing on these strategies. However, many companies lacked sufficient training and employee awareness prior to seeking cleaner alternatives, and comprehensive actions to manage the product lifecycle were lacking. To address these gaps, the tool provided tailored recommendations for each company to improve their processes, products, and value chain.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Gamze Dogdu, Turgay Pekdemir, Sanaz Lakestani, Seyda Karabork, Osman Cavus
Summary: This paper presents data on food waste associated with mini size food packaging services, highlighting the difficulties in emptying the food and consumer wastefulness as the main causes. These findings have significant implications for the sustainability of food and relevant packaging.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Qingxia Li, Xin Kong, Yuxin Chen, Jianan Niu, Jia Jing, Jin Yuan, Yifeng Zhang
Summary: This study investigates how to enhance methane production from food waste after hydrothermal pretreatment. The results demonstrate a significant increase in methane yield when zero-valent iron and magnetite are used together, and high organic loading is favorable for methane production. Microbial diversity analysis further reveals the dominant pathways and metabolic processes involved in methane generation.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
D. H. H. Sim, I. A. W. Tan, L. L. P. Lim, E. T. Lau, B. H. Hameed
Summary: The development of controlled-release fertilizer formulation is important for preventing environmental pollution caused by nutrient leaching and volatilization. This study combined biochar-based fertilizer with encapsulation technology to improve the nutrient release mechanism. Optimal conditions for synthesizing urea-impregnated biochar (UIB) were determined using central composite design, and the release of nitrogen was described by mathematical models. Results showed that encapsulated UIB (EUIB) achieved complete release of nitrogen in water and exhibited improved water retention in sandy-textural soil. Therefore, EUIB derived from peppercorn waste has the potential to be used as a sustainable controlled-release fertilizer for agriculture.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yuchuan Wang, Neslihan Akdeniz
Summary: Incorporating biochar into composting systems can increase compost temperatures. This study developed a heat transfer model for a biochar-amended co-composting system and found that biochar increased thermal conductive losses but also enhanced microbial activity, resulting in an overall increase in total heat unit. When biochar was applied on the surface, it mainly functioned as an insulator.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
George Tsalis, Birger Boutrup Jensen, Jessica Aschemann-Witzel
Summary: This paper empirically explores the relationship between retail price promotions and household food waste. The results show that households with a higher proportion of discount food purchases and environmental awareness tend to waste less food, while larger households and those lacking food handling skills tend to waste more food.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Lukas Friederici, Arne Koch, Patrick Martens, Jana Pantzke, Sebastiano Di Bucchianico, Thorsten Streibel, Christopher P. Rueger, Ralf Zimmermann
Summary: The increasing demand for lightweight materials has led to a rise in fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) production. However, the properties and compositional range of FRPs pose challenges to recycling strategies. Pyrolysis has emerged as a promising method for separating the fibers from the polymer matrix. This study investigated the pyrolysis process using thermal analysis and high-resolution mass spectrometry, and also assessed the toxicity of the recovered fibers using an in vitro model.
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Devika Kannan, Shakiba Khademolqorani, Nassibeh Janatyan, Somaieh Alavi
Summary: This paper introduces Smart Waste Management (SWM) that applies Industry 4.0 technologies in waste management. A framework called SWM4.0 is developed, which highlights the importance of smart people, smart cities, smart enterprises, and smart factories in achieving successful waste management. The paper also suggests future research directions and managerial implications.