Article
Agricultural Engineering
James O'Connor, Bede S. Mickan, Sun K. Gurung, Kadambot H. M. Siddique, Matthias Leopold, Nanthi S. Bolan
Summary: This study successfully transformed digestate into solid fertilizer through acidification, preventing nitrogen loss and promoting plant growth. The transformed digestate also had effects on soil chemistry and rhizosphere bacterial communities.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Kevin D. Orner, Sarah J. Smith, Hanna M. Breunig, Corinne D. Scown, Kara L. Nelson
Summary: The diversion of organic waste through anaerobic digestion presents an opportunity to recover valuable nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, with municipal sewage sludge being the largest potential source for recovery. The nutrient recovery rates vary for different end products, with liquid fertilizer, struvite, and compost contributing to offsetting synthetic fertilizer demand in California to different extents. In a profitable build-out scenario for anaerobic digestion facilities, recovered nutrients could offset a significant portion of the state's synthetic fertilizer demand.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Anita Nagarajan, Bernard Goyette, Vijaya Raghavan, Adarsh Bhaskar, Rajinikanth Rajagopal
Summary: Phosphorous and Nitrogen are crucial for plant growth and their sustainable management is important to meet the global food demand. The production of struvite from agricultural wastes such as anaerobic digestates and livestock wastewater is a green marketing tool in the fertilizer industry. This article provides an overview of struvite production, its potential as a fertilizer source, and its integration with anaerobic digestion, cost benefits, and plant yields.
PROCESS SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
T. Pepe Sciarria, S. Zangarini, F. Tambone, L. Trombino, S. Puig, F. Adani
Summary: This study focuses on phosphorus recovery as struvite from the liquid fraction of swine manure digestate at a high total solids concentration. A by-product of salt production (seawater bittern, SWB) was assessed as Mg source for the formation of struvite within a circular economy approach. The results showed that struvite obtained from the digestate can be used as a competitive alternative to conventional chemical phosphate fertilizers.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Christian Del Valle Velasco, Celine Vaneeckhaute, Beline Fabrice
Summary: This study developed a novel phosphorus fractionation method based on acidic leachate to accurately and inexpensively classify phosphorus during anaerobic digestion. The results showed that recoverable phosphorus was present in both digestate and waste samples, with struvite being the main form.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Carolina Gonzalez-Morales, Belen Fernandez, Francisco J. Molina, Dario Naranjo-Fernandez, Adriana Matamoros-Veloza, Miller Alonso Camargo-Valero
Summary: This study investigates the removal of phosphorus and nitrogen through struvite precipitation under different pH and temperature conditions, determining optimal pH and temperature for large crystal formation and high purity of struvite precipitates. Results show that temperatures of 33 degrees C and 40 degrees C are not recommended for struvite precipitation, with suboptimal purity and ammonia losses induced by volatilization.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Uttam K. Roy, Tanja Radu, Jonathan Wagner
Summary: This study explores the potential of using hydrothermal carbonisation (HTC) to fractionate anaerobic digestate of sewage sludge into hydrochar and aqueous phase (AP), which is then used to cultivate alkali halophilic microalgae. The results show that the AP obtained from HTC can serve as a suitable growth medium substitute, promoting microalgae growth and increasing biomass yield.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xiongjian Chen, Yanchao Jin, Zijing Zhou, Peiwen Huang, Xiao Chen, Rui Ding, Riyao Chen
Summary: In this study, nutrient recovery and wastewater disinfection were successfully achieved using Mg-coconut shell carbon (Mg-CSC). The results showed effective removal of E.coli and high recovery rates under different conditions. Mg-CSC composites demonstrated satisfactory performances in real aquaculture wastewater treatment.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Mervenur Kilic, Tulay Yilmaz, Recep Partal, Emrah Sik, Ozgur Dogan, Mehmet Kitis, Erkan Sahinkaya
Summary: This study investigated nutrient recovery through struvite precipitation from anaerobic digester supernatant with high concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorus using a fluidized-bed reactor. The results showed that struvite could be successfully precipitated at high performances even with a hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 2.5 minutes and molar Mg2+/NH4+/PO4 3- ratio of 1.5/16.6/1. The highest NH4-N and PO4-P precipitation performances were achieved at an Mg/P molar ratio of 2. Furthermore, volatile fatty acid presence did not adversely affect the struvite precipitation performance.
JOURNAL OF WATER PROCESS ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Ana Maria Garcia-Lopez, Antonio Delgado, Ofelia Anjos, Carmo Horta
Summary: This study aimed to assess the fertilizing effects of digestate on soil properties. The results showed that digestate not only contains essential nutrients for crops but also can alter the biogeochemical cycle of nutrients and soil functionality. However, at high doses, digestate application negatively affected soil enzyme activities, microbial biomass, and soil P and C cycling capacity.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Qian Guan, Yingpeng Li, Yun Zhong, Wei Liu, Jiajie Zhang, Xin Yu, Ranwen Ou, Guisheng Zeng
Summary: Nutrient recovery from wastewater through struvite crystallization is a sustainable solution to reduce nutrient load and environmental problems in aquatic ecosystems. This review provides an overview of the properties and crystallization process of struvite, examines variables influencing recovery efficiency and product purity, discusses advanced auxiliary technologies, and highlights the economic and environmental benefits. However, the shortcomings and future research prospects are also presented. This work lays the foundation for the future use of struvite crystallization technology in nutrient recovery.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Chao-Yu Wei, Shu-Yuan Pan, Yu-I Lin, Thanh Ngoc-Dan Cao
Summary: This study systematically evaluated the energy efficiency and effectiveness of nutrient recovery from anaerobic swine digestate using electrodialysis. It identified the optimal operating conditions and proposed a conceptual design of cascading separation processes for digestate valorization. The findings provide insights into practical large-scale applications of digestate valorization through energy-efficient separation.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Zahra Anari, Karla Morrissey, Laszlo Kekedy-Nagy, Raheleh Daneshpour, Mojtaba Abolhassani, John Moore, Greg Thoma, Lauren Greenlee
Summary: Nutrient recovery from wastewater is achieved by pre-concentration of nutrients and electrochemical precipitation. The performance of commercial nanofiltration and reverse osmosis membranes with different polymer chemistry and molecular weight cut-offs were evaluated for maximum nutrient recovery efficiency. The Alfa membrane showed the highest concentration factor for phosphorus preconcentration, while BW30LE, Synder, and NF90 membranes achieved high concentration factors for nitrogen recovery. A multistage membrane system design was suggested for effective nutrient recovery. Life cycle assessment was conducted to evaluate the environmental impact of the system.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yanchao Jin, Zheng Li, Guodong Wang, Zijing Zhou, Shih-Hsin Ho, Li-Ping Li, Xiao Chen, Rui Ding, Jianxi Liu, Riyao Chen
Summary: This study confirms the feasibility of simultaneously recovering Mg, nitrogen (NH4-N), and phosphorus (P) from magnesite tailings and freshwater aquaculture through bipolar membrane electrodi-alysis for the first time. The results show that the addition of HNO3 enhances Mg leaching and reduces energy consumption. It is also found that increasing current density significantly improves nutrient recovery rate. This study provides new insights into the resourceful treatment of tailings and wastewater.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
Review
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Lisa Babcock-Jackson, Tatyana Konovalova, Jeremy P. Krogman, Robert Bird, Leilani Lotti Diaz
Summary: The ability of modern agriculture to meet future food demand is a major challenge, and the use of fertilizers plays a key role. However, the cost and environmental impact of conventional fertilizers have prompted the exploration of sustainable alternatives. This review analyzes academic and patent literature on sustainable fertilizers from 2001 to 2021, providing insights into the progress, materials, and concepts driving innovation in this field.
JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Malgorzata Kacprzak, Krystyna Malinska, Anna Grosser, Jolanta Sobik-Szoltysek, Katarzyna Wystalska, Danuta Drozdz, Anna Jasinska, Erik Meers
Summary: Poultry manure management is an environmental problem, and the cycles of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus play an essential role in the processes of composting, anaerobic digestion, or thermal treatment.
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ines Terwayet Bayouli, Tatiana Robledo-Mahon, Erik Meers, Concepcion Calvo, Elisabet Aranda
Summary: This study assessed the uptake of heavy metals and metalloids by Lygeum spartum Loefl. ex L. and identified its associated microbiota for potential phytoremediation use. The results showed efficient uptake of As, Pb, and Zn by the plant and enhanced antioxidative response. Two bacterial species with potential bioremediation capability were identified among the bacterial isolates.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOREMEDIATION
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Liang Shi, Jie Li, Kumuduni Niroshika Palansooriya, Yahua Chen, Deyi Hou, Erik Meers, Daniel C. W. Tsang, Xiaonan Wang, Yong Sik Ok
Summary: Machine learning was used to predict the important factors affecting phytoextraction efficiency of hyperaccumulators. Heavy metal properties, especially the metal ion radius, were found to be the most important factors, while the plant family had the most influence on the bioconcentration factor, metal extraction ratio, and remediation time. The Crassulaceae family showed the highest potential as hyperaccumulators, related to gene expression and substance secretion. The insights from the machine learning model interpretation could guide efficient phytoremediation.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Claudio Brienza, Natalia Donoso, Hongzhen Luo, Ruben Vingerhoets, Denis de Wilde, Dion van Oirschot, Ivona Sigurnjak, Jayanta Kumar Biswas, Evi Michels, Erik Meers
Summary: Ammonia stripping and aerated constructed wetland (ACW) are proposed as alternative approaches to conventional biological nitrification-denitrification (NDN) systems for nitrogen recovery from animal manure. The NH3 stripping unit recovered 21% of total-N (32% of mineral-N) in the form of ammonium nitrate (AN) solution, which meets the standards for fertilising products regulation and manure-derived RENURE products. The ACW achieved high removal efficiency for various pollutants and the quality of its effluent was comparable to NDN treatment. The cost of the proposed pilot-scale process is slightly higher than conventional NDN treatment, but it can outcompete at higher loading rates.
ECOLOGICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Review
Energy & Fuels
Anna Jasinska, Anna Grosser, Erik Meers
Summary: Anaerobic digestion is a well-known method for stabilizing organic materials, offering benefits such as greenhouse gas reduction, alternative energy production, and valuable digestate acquisition. However, for heterogeneous materials like manure, single-substrate digestion may not be efficient. Co-digestion studies are increasingly appearing to address this issue, allowing higher biogas production and simultaneous waste processing. The future effective application of anaerobic co-digestion depends on regulations, work regime, and access to raw materials, which are explored in this paper.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yaoyu Zhou, Xin Liu, Xiao Yang, Gijs Du Laing, Yuan Yang, Filip M. G. Tack, Michael S. Bank, Jochen Bundschuh
Summary: This study investigated the uptake mechanisms and phytotoxicity of different-sized platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs) on rice seedlings. Results showed that 70 nm-sized PtNPs were more efficiently transferred in rice roots. Increasing PtNP concentration restricted particle uptake, while particle aggregation and dissolution were observed in plant cells and on root surfaces.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
M. Beyers, C. Coudron, R. Ravi, E. Meers, S. Bruun
Summary: Life cycle assessment (LCA) was used to evaluate the environmental impacts of black soldier fly production using different diets. The results showed that non-residue insect feed and energy use contributed significantly to the overall environmental impacts. Insect protein had greater impacts than protein from soybean meal or fishmeal due to high energy consumption and agro-product demands. These findings indicate areas that need to be addressed to enhance the sustainability of European insect production.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Massimo Zilio, Ambrogio Pigoli, Bruno Rizzi, Andrea Goglio, Fulvia Tambone, Andrea Giordano, Laura Maretto, Andrea Squartini, Piergiorgio Stevanato, Erik Meers, Oscar Schoumans, Fabrizio Adani
Summary: A three-year plot trial comparing highly stabilized digestate from sewage sludge and digestate-derived ammonium sulphate with synthetic mineral fertilizers in open fields showed that digestate fertilization increased organic N content in soil without causing nitrate leaching. The nitrogen fate study indicated similar effects of digestate and synthetic fertilizers on ammonia emissions, N uptake in crops, and denitrification activity, but synthetic fertilizers emitted more N2O. Soil analysis suggested that dosing digestate resulted in carbon and possibly nitrogen accumulation in soil.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Soil Science
Hongzhen Luo, Massimo Zilio, Ivona Sigurnjak, Ana A. Robles-Aguilar, Evi Michels, Fabrizio Adani, Stefaan De Neve, Erik Meers
Summary: Biobased fertilizers recovered from animal manure are sustainable substitutes for synthetic mineral nitrogen (N) fertilizers, showing high potential to minimize environmental pollution while maintaining nutrient supply. This study investigated the response of maize (Zea mays L.) and soil microbes to the application of biobased fertilizers, comparing them with calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN). The results show that biobased fertilizers resulted in lower N loss compared to CAN, with no significant difference in plant growth and soil biochemical properties for pig manure and liquid fraction of digestate, while evaporator concentrate led to lower biomass and nutrient uptake in young maize plants.
APPLIED SOIL ECOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
James Gaffey, Gaurav Rajauria, Helena McMahon, Rajeev Ravindran, Carmen Dominguez, Morten Ambye-Jensen, Macella F. Souza, Erik Meers, Marta Macias Aragones, Dubravka Skunca, Johan P. M. Sanders
Summary: Grasses, legumes and green plant wastes are important feedstocks for developing a bioeconomy in Europe. Green Biorefinery processes and initiatives are being developed to optimize the potential of these feedstocks to produce sustainable food, feed, materials and energy. This review presents the current developments and potential of Green Biorefining, highlighting the range of bio-based product opportunities and the need for quality control approval before market entry.
BIOTECHNOLOGY ADVANCES
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Xiangzhou Yuan, Yafei Shen, Piumi Amasha Withana, Ondrej Masek, Carol Sze Ki Lin, Siming You, Filip M. G. Tack, Yong Sik Ok
Summary: Environmental issues caused by food waste are significant for human well-being and ecosystem health. This study provides a review of recent advancements in converting food waste into engineered biochar through thermochemical conversion. The synthesis routes and practical applications of food waste-derived biochar are also discussed. Engineered biochar shows promise in mitigating environmental pollution and addressing energy crisis. However, further research is needed to understand the relationship between biochar properties and specific applications, and assessments of environmental benefits and economic feasibility are necessary before industrial implementation.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jing Qiu, Marcella Fernandes de Souza, Nimisha Edayilam, Yongyuan Yang, Yong Sik Ok, Frederik Ronsse, Domenico Morabito, Erik Meers
Summary: The remediation performance of biochar varies depending on the biomass used for its production. This study focuses on the development of tailor-made combined biochar to address the limitations of pure biochar. Tests were conducted on Pb and As contaminated soil using tailor-made biochar produced from the co-pyrolysis of pig manure and Japanese knotweed, as well as biochars produced separately from these feedstocks. The results showed that biochar application reduced soluble Pb, but increased the mobility of As.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Miriam Beyers, Rahul Ravi, Reindert Devlamynck, Erik Meers, Lars Stoumann Jensen, Sander Bruun
Summary: Life cycle assessment (LCA) was used to evaluate the effectiveness of duckweed ponds and constructed wetlands in treating pig manure liquid fraction. The study found that these systems are viable options for tertiary treatment and can help address nutrient imbalances in areas with intensive livestock farming. The use of duckweed and wetland plants can reduce over-fertilization and prevent nitrogen losses to aquatic environments. Additionally, duckweed can serve as a substitute for livestock feed and reduce the need for protein imports.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Danuta Drozdz, Krystyna Malinska, Katarzyna Wystalska, Erik Meers, Ana Robles-Aguilar
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the effects of poultry manure-derived biochar and compost on the soil and growth of cherry tomatoes. The results showed that biochar obtained at 475°C had the most beneficial effects in terms of fertilizing potential, and composting of poultry manure with straw was successful and resulted in hygienized compost. The produced compost and biochar were sanitary safe and did not exceed the limits of heavy metal content.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Jingsi Zhang, Cagri Akyol, Erik Meers
Summary: The circular bio-based economy has untapped potential for the food industry by recovering valuable products and energy from food waste. Fish and seafood waste and by-products are promising candidates to produce alternative fertilizing products, but more research is needed on their potential and safety aspects. The European Commission has regulations in place to promote fertilizing products from bio-based origins. It is important to consider the quality, safety, and agronomic performance of fishery waste-derived fertilizing products before they can enter the market.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)