Article
Environmental Sciences
Joanna Boguniewicz-Zablocka, Iwona Klosok-Bazan, Andrea G. Capodaglio
Summary: The sustainable management of biosolids from wastewater treatment is crucial, especially with the ban of some disposal options in many European countries. Solar drying technology offers a cost-efficient and energy-saving alternative to traditional thermal drying methods, with successful applications in countries like Germany and Poland. Research is being done on improving the efficiency of solar drying for sewage sludge, in line with the new National Waste Management Plan of Poland.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Hang Lv, Qiao Xiong, Daoguang Liu, Xu Wu
Summary: This study investigated the effects of electro-dewatering on subsequent low-temperature drying at various potentials and the characteristics of low-temperature air-drying sludge were explored through experiments and multi-physical modeling. Results showed that electro-dewatering reduced EPS content and changed the organic matter species, leading to a cake structure conducive to low-temperature drying. The applied higher electric field intensity in electro-dewatering stage promoted water vapor diffusion activity in air-drying stage, resulting in lower energy consumption and higher yield compared to directly low-temperature drying.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Review
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Tess Richman, Elyssa Arnold, Antony J. Williams
Summary: Section 405(d) of the Clean Water Act mandates the US Environmental Protection Agency to review sewage sludge regulations and identify pollutants in biosolids that may pose risks to human health or the environment. Through biennial reviews and national surveys, the EPA has compiled a list of 726 chemicals found in biosolids and reported concentration data for 484 chemicals. This Biosolids List aids the EPA in assessing the potential risk of chemical pollutants in biosolids.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Sahar Gholipour, Mohammad Rezvani Ghalhari, Mahnaz Nikaeen, Davarkhah Rabbani, Parichehr Pakzad, Mohammad Bagher Miranzadeh
Summary: Enteric viruses are of great concern in wastewater due to their low removal in treatment processes and potential risks to human health. The presence and concentration of viruses in sewage sludge vary depending on the treatment method, and land application of sludge may pose viral infection risks and contaminate water sources.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
S. Fane, A. Nocker, P. Vale, M. Rivas Casado, E. Cartmell, J. Harris, Y. Bajon Fernandez, S. Tyrrel
Summary: The study identified the significant impact of stockpile temperature on E. coli dynamics, with greater die-off observed in summer months. Covered stockpiles were effective in reducing E. coli concentrations, especially during periods of higher temperatures.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Bayu Dume, Ales Hanc, Pavel Svehla, Pavel Michal, Abraham Demelash Chane, Abebe Nigussie
Summary: This study investigated the carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) emissions during sewage sludge composting and vermicomposting with different proportions of straw pellets. The results showed that the mixing ratio of pelletized wheat straw significantly influenced the emissions, with vermicomposting reducing CH4 emissions and increasing CO2 emissions. Additionally, the use of pelletized wheat straw as a mixing agent decreased both CO2 and CH4 emissions compared to the control group without straw pellets.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Joshua C. Steele, Xiang-Zhou Meng, Arjun K. Venkatesan, Rolf U. Halden
Summary: This article summarizes the studies on the chemical composition of sewage sludges in China and the U.S., identifies the differences in chemical abundance between the two countries, and emphasizes the need for risk assessments and stricter disposal restrictions in China.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Fujin Xu, Huiqing Chang
Summary: This study assessed the greenhouse gas emissions under different rates of composted sewage sludge as a nitrogen fertilization substitute. It found that the use of composted sewage sludge as a nitrogen fertilizer substitute can reduce N2O, CH4, and CO2 emissions. The study also showed that the GHGI and global warming potential were significantly reduced while wheat yield increased under the 20% sludge replacement treatment. Additionally, the composted sewage sludge significantly increased soil organic carbon and total nitrogen content, with significant increase in soil nitrate nitrogen content at certain replacement ratios.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Luc Duc Phung, Chiekh Adrame Ba, Putri Aditya Padma Pertiwi, Ayumi Ito, Toru Watanabe
Summary: This study aims to investigate the effects of using centrate derived from anaerobically digested sewage sludge as a topdressing in rice fields fertilized with composted sewage sludge (CSS) on rice yield, nutrient quality, and soil fertility. The results showed that the application of centrate as topdressing improved the plant's nitrogen status, resulting in increased biomass and grain yield. However, there were concerns about the accumulation of arsenic in rice grains when using centrate and CSS.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Fei Wang, Chennan Guo, Xiangyue Liu, Hongwen Sun, Changping Zhang, Youshan Sun, Hongkai Zhu
Summary: Hydrothermal conversion is a potential sustainable solution for sewage sludge disposal and utilization. This study used one-step hydrothermal carbonization to prepare iron-based sludge hydrochars and investigated the properties of hydrochars under different hydrothermal conditions. The results showed that the properties of hydrochars are influenced by temperature, and glucose has a more advantageous effect on iron transformation and pore structure formation.
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Jose Luis Cardenas-Talero, Jorge Antonio Silva-Leal, Andrea Perez-Vidal, Patricia Torres-Lozada
Summary: Various wastewater treatment technologies, mainly biological processes, produce large amounts of sewage sludge with varying quantities and qualities, which must be properly managed. Anaerobic and aerobic digestion, as well as composting, are major strategies for treating this sludge. It is essential to focus on biological stabilization indicators to control degradation, vector attraction, and odor, in order to ensure the safe use of biosolids. Further treatments should be explored to improve the quality of biosolids and remove pollutants and pathogens that are not completely eliminated through biological stabilization processes.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Elvis D. Okoffo, Erica Donner, Steve P. McGrath, Benjamin J. Tscharke, Jake W. O'Brien, Stacey O'Brien, Francisca Ribeiro, Stephen D. Burrows, Tania Toapanta, Cassandra Rauert, Saer Samanipour, Jochen F. Mueller, Kevin Thomas
Summary: The study found a correlation between the concentration of plastics in treated sewage sludge and plastic production estimates, indicating a potential link between plastics production, consumption, and leakage into the environment. Prior to the 1990s, there was limited plastic leakage into biosolids, except for polystyrene, but increased leakage was observed from the 1990s onwards.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Miriam Tena, Montserrat Perez, Rosario Solera
Summary: Anaerobic digestion is a promising solution to address the challenges of increasing energy demand and waste generation caused by population growth. The study found that anaerobic codigestion of sewage sludge and wine vinasse in a two-stage system can achieve higher methane production and electricity generation compared to single-stage reactors.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Nikola Major, Jasper Schierstaedt, Adam Schikora, Igor Palcic, Marko Cerne, Smiljana Goreta Ban, Igor Paskovic, Josipa Perkovic, Zoran Uzila, Dean Ban
Summary: The addition of compost or biochar to soils is an effective strategy to increase soil organic matter. Turning sewage sludge into compost or biochar can help mitigate its negative effects on soil and provide a viable solution for sewage sludge management.
Article
Ecology
Allan Rocha de Freitas, Nathalia Aparecida Braganca Favaris, Rodrigo Sobreira Alexandre, Tatiana da Silva Souza, Iasmini Nicoli Galter, Julcinara Oliveira Baptista, Paula Aparecida Muniz de Lima, Tamyris de Mello, Wagner Campos Otoni, Jose Carlos Lopes
Summary: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of sewage sludge (SS) dosage on the cell cycle and growth of Lactuca sativa and Passiflora alata. The results showed that SS concentrations above 120 t ha(-1) adversely affected the germination and early growth of L. sativa and P. alata, with high concentrations inducing genetic damage and chromosomal and nuclear changes in L. sativa.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Giorgos Markou, Alexandros Diamantis, Dimitris Arapoglou, Dimitris Mitrogiannis, Cristina Gonzalez-Fernandez, Adrian Unc
Summary: Utilization of digestate as a source of nutrients can have conflicting consequences on light penetration; optimal concentrations of digestate can enhance growth and protein content, as well as improve photosynthetic efficiency in Spirulina cells.
BIOCHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Ecology
N. Ghorbanzadeh, R. Shokati, M. B. Farhangi, M. Shabanpour, A. Unc
Summary: The study investigated the effectiveness of microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICCP) in reducing bacteria transport to riparian shallow groundwater, showing that MICCP treatment can reduce bacteria leaching and increase bacteria straining. The MICCP process increased filtration coefficient and relative adsorption index, while decreasing the maximum depth of bacteria transport.
ECOHYDROLOGY & HYDROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Agronomy
Daniel Altdorff, Nils Borchard, Erika H. Young, Lakshman Galagedara, Jaana Sorvali, Sylvie Quideau, Adrian Unc
Summary: Northern regions are becoming new agricultural frontiers due to food security concerns and accelerated global warming, but the scope and environmental consequences of northern agriculture are not fully understood. Sustainable growth of northern agriculture depends on a comprehensive understanding of opportunities and challenges, highlighting the need for better coordination and emphasis on this sector.
AGRONOMY FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
(2021)
Article
Soil Science
Amana J. Kedir, Mingchu Zhang, Adrian Unc
Summary: Farm soil tests and recommendations based on these tests are crucial for nutrient management, tailored to the specific local environment and crops. Newfoundland and Labrador's agriculture industry, though small, is rapidly growing, making it important to understand current practices for developing localized fertilizer recommendations.
CANADIAN JOURNAL OF SOIL SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Soil Science
Joinal Abedin, Adrian Unc
Summary: Adding biochar to agricultural soils in the Happy Valley-Goose Bay region has been found to improve soil fertility indicators, but its effects diminish over time.
CANADIAN JOURNAL OF SOIL SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Soil Science
Louis-Pierre Comeau, Kyle MacKinley, Adrian Unc, Jeremiah Vallotton
Summary: This study analyzed and compared three different ex situ soil respiration methods and found that drying and sieving soil can produce cautiously reliable results, although there is disturbance compared to the microcosm method. Additionally, there is low correlation between soil physico-chemical parameters and respiration.
CANADIAN JOURNAL OF SOIL SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Soil Science
Erika H. Young, Jeremiah D. Vallotton, Amana J. Kedir, Ayodeji O. Medaiyese, Claudia Goyer, Louis-Pierre Comeau, Adrian Unc
Summary: Conversion to agriculture has a greater impact on soil quality than recent rock pulverization. Nematode community and soil respiration are mainly influenced by soil organic matter and pH, with distinct relationships observed between mineral and Organic soils.
CANADIAN JOURNAL OF SOIL SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Soil Science
Amana Jemal Kedir, David Bruce McKenzie, Noura Ziadi, Adrian Unc
Summary: This study explores various methods of extracting soil phosphorus (P) in order to improve management of Podzol soils in Newfoundland.
CANADIAN JOURNAL OF SOIL SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
T. Kloffel, E. H. Young, N. Borchard, J. D. Vallotton, E. Nurmi, N. J. Shurpali, F. Urbano Tenorio, X. Liu, G. H. F. Young, A. Unc
Summary: Accelerated global warming in the cold-climate boreal and Arctic regions has both positive and negative impacts on agriculture. Consistent policies and efficient use of existing agricultural lands are necessary to ensure environmental sustainability and meet local food needs.
AGRICULTURAL SYSTEMS
(2022)
Review
Soil Science
Erika Helen Young, Adrian Unc
Summary: Food webs and soil functional status in boreal regions are influenced by microbial carbon and nitrogen fluxes determined by ecosystem type and management. Expanding and intensifying agriculture in these regions leads to changes in biodiversity, carbon, and nitrogen losses, affecting soil functionality. Monitoring the status of northern soils requires standardized methods applicable across land uses and scales. Free-living nematodes, sensitive indicators of soil environment changes, can be utilized to monitor the functional state of natural systems and inform sustainable agricultural management decisions. However, little research has focused on nematodes in boreal or Arctic agricultural systems, highlighting the need for future investigation on their impacts.
APPLIED SOIL ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Soil Science
Richard Tingskou, Adrian Unc
Summary: This study examined the effects of adding mineral or organic fertilizer to different soil layers on nutrient uptake and crop productivity. The findings suggest that soil depth plays a significant role in carbon cycling and nutrient acquisition, and site-specific considerations are needed when farming podzols after land-use conversion.
SOIL USE AND MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Tahtamouni Mohammad Emad, Khresat Sa'eb, Lucero Mary, Sigala Jesus, Unc Adrian
Summary: The recovery of soil health provides insights into the mechanisms that stabilize remediated ecosystems. Substrate induced respiration (SIR), which assesses enzymatic activity potential, is commonly used to evaluate changes in soil microbial activity profiles and their links to environmental and management factors. This study employed community level physiological profiling (CLPP) to assess the impact of time on the remediation of surface coal mine soil. Compared to a control site, analysis of CLPP parameters offers useful insights and potential tools for assessing soil health following mining and remediation activities.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MINING RECLAMATION AND ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Joinal Abedin, Adrian Unc
Summary: The application of biochar has a positive effect on beet yields and nutrient uptake on northern Podzols, but its effectiveness declines over time.
FIELD CROPS RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Soil Science
Erika Helen Young, Joinal Abedin, Adrian Unc
Summary: This study assessed the effects of biochar addition on soil nematodes in recently converted agricultural land. It was found that biochar improved soil quality and fertility, mainly by increasing pH. Additionally, biochar promoted the growth of beneficial bacteria and omnivorous nematodes.
Article
Soil Science
Gil Eshel, Adrian Unc, Roey Egozi, Efrat Shakartchy, Tirza Doniger, Yosef Steinberger
Summary: Orchard floor management practices significantly impact soil free-living nematode communities and trophic diversity, with an increase in soil moisture, organic matter, and water-holding capacity under plant cover. Changes in nematode feeding group structure suggest shifts in soil carbon pool type and availability.
