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Abeyratne WMLK, Zhang Y, Brewer CE, Nirmalakhandan N. Domestic wastewater sludge valorization: Multi-criteria evaluation of anaerobic digestion vs. hydrothermal liquefaction. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2024; 400:130655. [PMID: 38580168 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2024.130655] [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: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
The emerging hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) process is evaluated against the classical anaerobic digestion (AD) processes for stabilizing wastewater sludges and recovering their energy- and nutrient-contents. Although HTL affords faster stabilization, better process stability, and liquid fuel and sterile fertilizer recovery, it suffers from higher energy demand and lower technology readiness level. For a rational comparison of these pathways, a multi-criteria evaluation is conducted considering 21 technical, environmental, economic, and social criteria. Criteria values for the HTL-pathway were derived from laboratory tests while those for the AD-pathway were compiled from literature. Of the 16 process alternatives evaluated, the AD-pathway including nitrogen-recovery by air-stripping and phosphorus recovery by the MEPHREC® process ranked first followed by the HTL-pathway. This multi-criteria study suggests that the HTL-pathway could be engineered as a superior alternative for sludge stabilization and resource recovery if phosphorus recovery and its technology readiness level could be improved.
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Affiliation(s)
- W M L K Abeyratne
- Dept. of Civil Engineering, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM 88003, USA
| | - Y Zhang
- Dept. of Civil Engineering, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM 88003, USA
| | - C E Brewer
- Dept. of Chemical & Materials Engineering, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM 88003, USA
| | - N Nirmalakhandan
- Dept. of Civil Engineering, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM 88003, USA.
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2
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Shi Z, Xing K, Rameezdeen R, Chow CWK. Current trends and future directions of global research on wastewater to energy: a bibliometric analysis and review. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:20792-20813. [PMID: 38400981 PMCID: PMC10948484 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-32560-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
This paper presents a structured bibliometric analysis and review of the research publications recorded in the Web of Science database from 2000 to 2023 to methodically examine the landscape and development of the 'wastewater to energy' research field in relation to global trends, potential hotspots, and future research directions. The study highlights three main research themes in 'wastewater to energy', which are biogas production through anaerobic digestion of sewage sludge, methane generation from microbial wastewater treatment, and hydrogen production from biomass. The analysis reveals activated sludge, biochar, biomethane, biogas upgrading, hydrogen, and circular economy as key topics increasingly gaining momentum in recent research publications as well as representing potential future research directions. The findings also signify transformation to SDGs and circular economy practices, through the integration of on-site renewables and biogas upgrading for energy self-sufficiency, optimising energy recovery from wastewater treatment systems, and fostering research and innovation in 'wastewater to energy' supported by policy incentives. By shedding light on emerging trends, cross-cutting themes, and potential policy implications, this study contributes to informing both knowledge and practices of the 'wastewater to energy' research community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhining Shi
- UniSA STEM, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes, SA, 5095, Australia
| | - Ke Xing
- UniSA STEM, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes, SA, 5095, Australia.
| | - Rameez Rameezdeen
- UniSA STEM, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes, SA, 5095, Australia
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Fonoll X, Zhu K, Aley L, Shrestha S, Raskin L. Simulating Rumen Conditions Using an Anaerobic Dynamic Membrane Bioreactor to Enhance Hydrolysis of Lignocellulosic Biomass. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:1741-1751. [PMID: 38184844 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c06478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
An anaerobic dynamic membrane bioreactor (AnDMBR) mimicking rumen conditions was developed to enhance the hydrolysis of lignocellulosic materials and the production of volatile fatty acids (VFAs) when treating food waste. The AnDMBR was inoculated with cow rumen content and operated at a 0.5 day hydraulic retention time, 2-4 day solids retention time, a temperature of 39 °C, and a pH of 6.3, characteristics similar to those of a rumen. Removal rates of neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber of 58.9 ± 8.4 and 69.0 ± 8.6%, respectively, and a VFA yield of 0.55 ± 0.12 g VFA as chemical oxygen demand g volatile solids (VS)fed-1 were observed at an organic loading rate of 18 ± 2 kg VS m-3 day-1. The composition and activity of the microbial community remained consistent after biofilm disruption, bioreactor upset, and reinoculation. Up to 66.7 ± 5.7% of the active microbial populations and 51.0 ± 7.0% of the total microbial populations present in the rumen-mimicking AnDMBR originated from the inoculum. This study offers a strategy to leverage the features of a rumen; the AnDMBR achieved high hydrolysis and fermentation rates even when treating substrates different from those fed to ruminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xavier Fonoll
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Energy Research & Innovation, Great Lakes Water Authority, 9300 W Jefferson Avenue, Detroit, Michigan 48209, United States
| | - Kuang Zhu
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Lucy Aley
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Shilva Shrestha
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
| | - Lutgarde Raskin
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
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Dhara FT, Fayshal MA. Waste Sludge: Entirely Waste or a Sustainable Source of Biocrude? A Review. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2024:10.1007/s12010-023-04846-7. [PMID: 38236434 DOI: 10.1007/s12010-023-04846-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Biomass-derived biocrude is gaining greater recognition from people in general as an alternative fuel source to traditional fossil fuels. Worldwide, a great deal of research is being done to develop fuels made from sustainable biomass in order to replace the current conventional energy sources. Waste sludge has been thought of as a viable raw biomass source because of its accessibility, affordability, high lignin content, and higher heating value. Additionally, considering sludge contains a high proportion of moisture and water acts as a catalyst during the hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) process, it is the best choice for thermochemical conversion. From the ultimate component value ranges obtained from elemental analysis, it can be demonstrated that the C, H, and higher heating value (HHV) of petrocrude are approximately 8.78%, 23.5%, and 10.66% higher than those of biofuel. According to the overall analysis, co-liquefaction of waste vegetable oil and swine manure can result in 87.97% bio-oil at 340 °C. The temperature, retention period, inclusion of catalysts, and use of solvents, however, can all affect this proportion. To support this illustration, it has been assessed from the study that municipal wet sewage sludge can produce an HHV of 28.52 MJ/kg when water is used as the solvent. However, 34.14 MJ/kg, or 16.5% more than the previous one, can be produced for the same amount of biomass, when the mixture of water and methanol serves as the solvents. This review article highlights an array of waste sludge categories, their chemical properties, and their conversion through the HTL process. It also features a Van Krevlen diagram with a graphical representation of essential operating parameters. This review research illustrates one of the best strategies for producing biofuel in which waste sludge can be used as raw material through the HTL conversion process, considering the prospective mass commercial production of biocrude oil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farin Tasnuva Dhara
- Department of Civil Engineering, Khulna University of Engineering & Technology (KUET), Khulna, 9203, Bangladesh
| | - Md Atik Fayshal
- Department of Civil Engineering, Khulna University of Engineering & Technology (KUET), Khulna, 9203, Bangladesh.
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Taslakyan L, Baker MC, Strawn DG, Möller G. Biochar-integrated reactive filtration of wastewater for P removal and recovery, micropollutant catalytic oxidation, and negative CO 2 e: Life cycle assessment and techno-economic analysis. WATER ENVIRONMENT RESEARCH : A RESEARCH PUBLICATION OF THE WATER ENVIRONMENT FEDERATION 2023; 95:e10962. [PMID: 38153197 DOI: 10.1002/wer.10962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
Life cycle assessment (LCA) and techno-economic analysis (TEA) models are developed for a tertiary wastewater treatment system that employs a biochar-integrated reactive filtration (RF) approach. This innovative system incorporates the utilization of biochar (BC) either in conjunction with or independently of iron-ozone catalytic oxidation (CatOx)-resulting in two configurations: Fe-CatOx-BC-RF and BC-RF. The technology demonstrates 90%-99% total phosphorus removals, adsorption of phosphorus to biochar for recovery, and >90% destructive removal of observed micropollutants. In this work, we conduct an ISO-compliant LCA of a 49.2 m3 /day (9 gpm) field pilot-scale Fe-CatOx-BC-RF system and a 1130 m3 /day (0.3 MGD) water resource recovery facility (WRRF)-installed RF system, modeled with BC addition at the same rate of 0.45 g/L to quantify their environmental impacts. LCA results indicated that the Fe-CatOx-BC-RF pilot system is a BC dose-dependent carbon-negative technology at -1.21 kg CO2 e/m3 , where biochar addition constitutes a -1.53 kg/m3 CO2 e beneficial impact to the process. For the WRRF-installed RF system, modeled with the same rate of BC addition, the overall process changed from 0.02 kg CO2 e/m3 to a carbon negative -1.41 kg CO2 e/m3 , demonstrating potential as a biochar dose-dependent negative emissions technology. Using the C100 100-year carbon accounting approach rather than Cnet reduces these CO2 e metrics for the process by about 25%. A stochastic TEA for the cost of water treatment using this combinatorial P removal/recovery, micropollutant destructive removal, and disinfection advanced technology shows that at scale, the mean cost for treating 1130 m3 /day (0.3 MGD) WRRF secondary influent water with Fe-CatOx-BC-RF using the C100 metric is US$0.18 ± US$0.01/m3 to achieve overall process carbon neutrality. Using the same BC dose in an estimation of a 3780 m3 /day (1 MGD) Fe-CatOx-BC-RF facility, the carbon neutral cost of treatment is reduced further to US$0.08 ± $0.01 with added BC accounting for US$0.03/m3 . Overall, the results demonstrate the potential of carbon negativity to become a water treatment performance standard as important and attainable as pollutant and pathogen removal. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Life cycle assessment (LCA) of a pilot scale tertiary biochar water treatment process with or without catalytic ozonation at a WRRF shows a carbon negative global warming potential of -1.21-kg CO2e/m3 while removing 90%-99% TP and >90% of detected micropollutants. Biochar-integrated reactive filtration use can aid in long-term carbon sequestration by reducing the carbon footprint of advanced water treatment in a dose-dependent manner, allowing an overall carbon-neutral or carbon-negative process. A companion paper to this work (Yu et al., 2023) presents the details related to the process operation and mechanism and evaluates the pollutant removal performance of this Fe-CatOx-BC-RF process in engineering laboratory pilot research and field WRRF pilot-scale water resource recovery trials. Techno-economic analysis (TEA) of this biochar catalytic oxidation reactive filtration process using Monte Carlo stochastic modeling shows a forecasted carbon-neutral process cost with low P and micropollutant removal as US$0.11/m3 ± 0.01 for a 3780-m3/day (1 MGD) scale installation with BC cost at US$0.03/m3 of that total. The results demonstrate the potential of carbon negativity to become a water treatmentperformance standard as important and attainable as pollutant and pathogen removal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lusine Taslakyan
- Department of Soil and Water Systems, University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho, USA
- Water Resources Program, University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho, USA
| | - Martin C Baker
- Department of Soil and Water Systems, University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho, USA
| | - Daniel G Strawn
- Department of Soil and Water Systems, University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho, USA
- Water Resources Program, University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho, USA
| | - Gregory Möller
- Department of Soil and Water Systems, University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho, USA
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho, USA
- Water Resources Program, University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho, USA
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Kammoun M, Margellou A, Toteva VB, Aladjadjiyan A, Sousa AF, Luis SV, Garcia-Verdugo E, Triantafyllidis KS, Richel A. The key role of pretreatment for the one-step and multi-step conversions of European lignocellulosic materials into furan compounds. RSC Adv 2023; 13:21395-21420. [PMID: 37469965 PMCID: PMC10352963 DOI: 10.1039/d3ra01533e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Nowadays, an increased interest from the chemical industry towards the furanic compounds production, renewable molecules alternatives to fossil molecules, which can be transformed into a wide range of chemicals and biopolymers. These molecules are produced following hexose and pentose dehydration. In this context, lignocellulosic biomass, owing to its richness in carbohydrates, notably cellulose and hemicellulose, can be the starting material for monosaccharide supply to be converted into bio-based products. Nevertheless, processing biomass is essential to overcome the recalcitrance of biomass, cellulose crystallinity, and lignin crosslinked structure. The previous reports describe only the furanic compound production from monosaccharides, without considering the starting raw material from which they would be extracted, and without paying attention to raw material pretreatment for the furan production pathway, nor the mass balance of the whole process. Taking account of these shortcomings, this review focuses, firstly, on the conversion potential of different European abundant lignocellulosic matrices into 5-hydroxymethyl furfural and 2-furfural based on their chemical composition. The second line of discussion is focused on the many technological approaches reported so far for the conversion of feedstocks into furan intermediates for polymer technology but highlighting those adopting the minimum possible steps and with the lowest possible environmental impact. The focus of this review is to providing an updated discussion of the important issues relevant to bringing chemically furan derivatives into a market context within a green European context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maroua Kammoun
- Laboratory of Biomass and Green Technologies, University of Liege Belgium
| | - Antigoni Margellou
- Department of Chemistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki 54124 Thessaloniki Greece
| | - Vesislava B Toteva
- Department of Textile, Leather and Fuels, University of Chemical Technology and Metallurgy Sofia Bulgaria
| | | | - Andreai F Sousa
- CICECO-Aveiro Institute of Materials, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro 3810-193 Aveiro Portugal
- Centre for Mechanical Engineering, Materials and Processes, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Coimbra Rua Sílvio Lima-Polo II 3030-790 Coimbra Portugal
| | - Santiago V Luis
- Dpt. of Inorganic and Organic Chemistry, Supramolecular and Sustainable Chemistry Group, University Jaume I Avda Sos Baynat s/n E-12071-Castellon Spain
| | - Eduardo Garcia-Verdugo
- Dpt. of Inorganic and Organic Chemistry, Supramolecular and Sustainable Chemistry Group, University Jaume I Avda Sos Baynat s/n E-12071-Castellon Spain
| | | | - Aurore Richel
- Laboratory of Biomass and Green Technologies, University of Liege Belgium
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7
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Hegdahl SH, Løhre C, Barth T. Hydrothermal liquefaction of sewage sludge anaerobic digestate for bio-oil production: Screening the effects of temperature, residence time and KOH catalyst. WASTE MANAGEMENT & RESEARCH : THE JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOLID WASTES AND PUBLIC CLEANSING ASSOCIATION, ISWA 2023; 41:977-986. [PMID: 36404769 PMCID: PMC10170558 DOI: 10.1177/0734242x221138497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Due to sewage sludge being an abundant biobased resource, and with the number of biogas plants utilizing sewage sludge increasing, digested sewage sludge (DSS) is a promising feedstock for producing bio-oil. This study uses DSS from a biogas plant to produce bio-oil in a hydrothermal liquefaction process adjusting time from 2 to 6 hours, temperature from 280 to 380°C and the presence of a base as a depolymerization agent and potential catalyst. High conversion yields are obtained, with the maximum of 58 wt% on a dry, ash free basis and an energy recovery of up to 94%. The oils contain compounds with a potential for utilization as biofuels and building blocks, especially fatty acids as biodiesel feedstock and biobased phenols, glycols and aliphatic alcohols.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Camilla Løhre
- Department of Chemistry, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Tanja Barth
- Department of Chemistry, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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8
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Xi D, Xie W, Qi F, Huang Z, Wen S, Fan B, Yin P, Zhang X, Fang Z, Ye L, Yang S. Sustainable treatment of sewage sludge via plasma-electrolytic liquefaction for bio-friendly production of polyurethane foam. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 329:117072. [PMID: 36584516 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.117072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Safe and green disposal or utilization of sewage sludge (SS) has attracted significant attention as SS is increasingly produced worldwide and emerges as an environmental burden if without proper treatment. In this study, efficient and sustainable treatment of SS was achieved using plasma-electrolytic liquefaction (PEL) with alkaline catalysts including sodium hydroxide (NaOH), sodium carbonate (Na2CO3), and sodium acetate (NaAc) and renewable solvents including polyethylene glycol (PEG) 200 and glycerol. Furthermore, the obtained bio-oil with abundant hydroxyl groups could partially replace polyols derived from fossil energy to synthesize bio-based polyurethane foams (BPUFs) for oil adsorption. The results showed that the Na2CO3 catalyst exhibited better performance and yielded bio-oil with a higher heating value (HHV) of 26.26 MJ/kg, very low nitrogen content (0.14%) and metal ions, and a nearly neutral pH of 7.41, under the optimized conditions. Compared with conventional oil bath liquefaction, PEL can significantly improve the liquefaction efficiency, promote the transfer of metal ions in SS to the solid residue (SR), and facilitate the transfer of nitrogen to the gas phase and SR, thereby upgrading the bio-oil to a certain extent. The BPUFs showed excellent oil adsorption capacity, reusability, and desorption and can play an important role in combating oil spills. The PEL method may provide a green avenue for SS valorization and the comprehensive utilization of the obtained products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dengke Xi
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Plasma and Magnetic Resonance, Fujian Engineering Research Center for EDA, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Electromagnetic Wave Science and Detection Technology, Xiamen Key Laboratory of Multiphysics Electronic Information, Institute of Electromagnetics and Acoustics, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Wenquan Xie
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Plasma and Magnetic Resonance, Fujian Engineering Research Center for EDA, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Electromagnetic Wave Science and Detection Technology, Xiamen Key Laboratory of Multiphysics Electronic Information, Institute of Electromagnetics and Acoustics, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Feng Qi
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Plasma and Magnetic Resonance, Fujian Engineering Research Center for EDA, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Electromagnetic Wave Science and Detection Technology, Xiamen Key Laboratory of Multiphysics Electronic Information, Institute of Electromagnetics and Acoustics, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Ziwei Huang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Plasma and Magnetic Resonance, Fujian Engineering Research Center for EDA, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Electromagnetic Wave Science and Detection Technology, Xiamen Key Laboratory of Multiphysics Electronic Information, Institute of Electromagnetics and Acoustics, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Shangxin Wen
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Bangxu Fan
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Plasma and Magnetic Resonance, Fujian Engineering Research Center for EDA, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Electromagnetic Wave Science and Detection Technology, Xiamen Key Laboratory of Multiphysics Electronic Information, Institute of Electromagnetics and Acoustics, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Pengfei Yin
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Plasma and Magnetic Resonance, Fujian Engineering Research Center for EDA, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Electromagnetic Wave Science and Detection Technology, Xiamen Key Laboratory of Multiphysics Electronic Information, Institute of Electromagnetics and Acoustics, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
| | - Xianhui Zhang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Plasma and Magnetic Resonance, Fujian Engineering Research Center for EDA, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Electromagnetic Wave Science and Detection Technology, Xiamen Key Laboratory of Multiphysics Electronic Information, Institute of Electromagnetics and Acoustics, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China.
| | - Zhi Fang
- College of Electrical Engineering and Control Science, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
| | - Liyi Ye
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China.
| | - Size Yang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Plasma and Magnetic Resonance, Fujian Engineering Research Center for EDA, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Electromagnetic Wave Science and Detection Technology, Xiamen Key Laboratory of Multiphysics Electronic Information, Institute of Electromagnetics and Acoustics, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China
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9
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Song C, Zhu JJ, Willis JL, Moore DP, Zondlo MA, Ren ZJ. Methane Emissions from Municipal Wastewater Collection and Treatment Systems. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:2248-2261. [PMID: 36735881 PMCID: PMC10041530 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c04388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Municipal wastewater collection and treatment systems are critical infrastructures, and they are also identified as major sources of anthropogenic CH4 emissions that contribute to climate change. The actual CH4 emissions at the plant- or regional level vary greatly due to site-specific conditions as well as high seasonal and diurnal variations. Here, we conducted the first quantitative analysis of CH4 emissions from different types of sewers and water resource recovery facilities (WRRFs). We examined variations in CH4 emissions associated with methods applied in different monitoring campaigns, and identified main CH4 sources and sinks to facilitate carbon emission reduction efforts in the wastewater sector. We found plant-wide CH4 emissions vary by orders of magnitude, from 0.01 to 110 g CH4/m3 with high emissions associated with plants equipped with anaerobic digestion or stabilization ponds. Rising mains show higher dissolved CH4 concentrations than gravity sewers when transporting similar raw sewage under similar environmental conditions, but the latter dominates most collection systems around the world. Using the updated data sets, we estimated annual CH4 emission from the U.S. centralized, municipal wastewater treatment to be approximately 10.9 ± 7.0 MMT CO2-eq/year, which is about twice as the IPCC (2019) Tier 2 estimates (4.3-6.1 MMT CO2-eq/year). Given CH4 emission control will play a crucial role in achieving net zero carbon goals by the midcentury, more studies are needed to profile and mitigate CH4 emissions from the wastewater sector.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cuihong Song
- Department
of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey08544United States
| | - Jun-Jie Zhu
- Department
of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey08544United States
- Andlinger
Center for Energy and the Environment, Princeton
University, Princeton, New Jersey08544, United States
| | - John L. Willis
- Brown
and Caldwell, Atlanta, Georgia30328, United States
| | - Daniel P. Moore
- Department
of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey08544United States
| | - Mark A. Zondlo
- Department
of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey08544United States
| | - Zhiyong Jason Ren
- Department
of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey08544United States
- Andlinger
Center for Energy and the Environment, Princeton
University, Princeton, New Jersey08544, United States
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10
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Ruiz HA, Sganzerla WG, Larnaudie V, Veersma RJ, van Erven G, Ríos-González LJ, Rodríguez-Jasso RM, Rosero-Chasoy G, Ferrari MD, Kabel MA, Forster-Carneiro T, Lareo C. Advances in process design, techno-economic assessment and environmental aspects for hydrothermal pretreatment in the fractionation of biomass under biorefinery concept. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2023; 369:128469. [PMID: 36509309 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2022.128469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The development and sustainability of second-generation biorefineries are essential for the production of high added value compounds and biofuels and their application at the industrial level. Pretreatment is one of the most critical stages in biomass processing. In this specific case, hydrothermal pretreatments (liquid hot water [LHW] and steam explosion [SE]) are considered the most promising process for the fractionation, hydrolysis and structural modifications of biomass. This review focuses on architecture of the plant cell wall and composition, fundamentals of hydrothermal pretreatment, process design integration, the techno-economic parameters of the solubilization of lignocellulosic biomass (LCB) focused on the operational costs for large-scale process implementation and the global manufacturing cost. In addition, profitability indicators are evaluated between the value-added products generated during hydrothermal pretreatment, advocating a biorefinery implementation in a circular economy framework. In addition, this review includes an analysis of environmental aspects of sustainability involved in hydrothermal pretreatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Héctor A Ruiz
- Biorefinery Group, Food Research Department, School of Chemistry, Autonomous University of Coahuila, Saltillo, Coahuila 25280, Mexico.
| | | | - Valeria Larnaudie
- Departamento de Bioingeniería, Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad de La República, J. Herrera y Reissig 565, CP 11300 Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Romy J Veersma
- Laboratory of Food Chemistry, Wageningen University, Bornse Weilanden 9, 6708 WG Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Gijs van Erven
- Laboratory of Food Chemistry, Wageningen University, Bornse Weilanden 9, 6708 WG Wageningen, The Netherlands; Wageningen Food and Biobased Research, Bornse Weilanden 9, 6708 WG Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Leopoldo J Ríos-González
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Chemistry, Autonomous University of Coahuila, Saltillo, Coahuila 25280, Mexico
| | - Rosa M Rodríguez-Jasso
- Biorefinery Group, Food Research Department, School of Chemistry, Autonomous University of Coahuila, Saltillo, Coahuila 25280, Mexico
| | - Gilver Rosero-Chasoy
- Biorefinery Group, Food Research Department, School of Chemistry, Autonomous University of Coahuila, Saltillo, Coahuila 25280, Mexico
| | - Mario Daniel Ferrari
- Departamento de Bioingeniería, Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad de La República, J. Herrera y Reissig 565, CP 11300 Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Mirjam A Kabel
- Laboratory of Food Chemistry, Wageningen University, Bornse Weilanden 9, 6708 WG Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Tânia Forster-Carneiro
- School of Food Engineering (FEA), University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Claudia Lareo
- Departamento de Bioingeniería, Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad de La República, J. Herrera y Reissig 565, CP 11300 Montevideo, Uruguay
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11
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Dutta N, Giduthuri AT, Usman Khan M, Garrison R, Ahring BK. Improved valorization of sewage sludge in the circular economy by anaerobic digestion: Impact of an innovative pretreatment technology. WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2022; 154:105-112. [PMID: 36228329 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2022.09.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Anaerobic digestion (AD) of sewage sludge shows low carbon conversion efficiency (CCE) due to the poor biodegradability of sewage sludge. The lack of digestibility is specifically linked to the waste-activated sludge (WAS) making up the majority of sewage sludge along with a smaller portion of primary sludge, depending on the wastewater treatment plant configuration. In this study, we examine the Advanced Wet Oxidation & Steam Explosion process (AWOEx) for improving the CCE of digested sewage sludge (DSS) by thermophilic AD. The effect of the pretreatment temperature in the range between 160 and 185 °C at a fixed residence time of 20 min with and without oxygen added at a dosage of 5 % of the organics present was tested. Methane yield improved by 97.92 % to 183.91 ± 4.93 mL/g vS over the untreated DSS (control), whose methane yield was 92.92 ± 9.07 mL/g vS We have demonstrated for the first time that 84 % of the organics in sewage sludge can successfully be transformed into biogas following AWOEx pretreatment, which can contribute significantly to the circular economy instead of greenhouse gas emissions from landfilling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nalok Dutta
- Bioproducts, Sciences and Engineering Laboratory, Washington State University, Tri-Cities, Richland, WA 99354, United States
| | - Anthony T Giduthuri
- Bioproducts, Sciences and Engineering Laboratory, Washington State University, Tri-Cities, Richland, WA 99354, United States; The Gene and Linda Voiland School of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99163, United States
| | - Muhammand Usman Khan
- Bioproducts, Sciences and Engineering Laboratory, Washington State University, Tri-Cities, Richland, WA 99354, United States; Department of Energy Systems Engineering, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | | | - Birgitte K Ahring
- Bioproducts, Sciences and Engineering Laboratory, Washington State University, Tri-Cities, Richland, WA 99354, United States; The Gene and Linda Voiland School of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99163, United States; Department of Biological Systems Engineering, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99163, United States.
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12
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Saner A, Carvalho PN, Catalano J, Anastasakis K. Renewable adsorbents from the solid residue of sewage sludge hydrothermal liquefaction for wastewater treatment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 838:156418. [PMID: 35660599 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.156418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Solid residue from hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) of nutrient rich feedstock presents a promising source to recover valuable nutrients, such as phosphorus, in the solid form. The present work shows for the first time the potential of utilizing the waste residue remaining after nutrients extraction from HTL of sewage sludge, as renewable adsorbents. A parametric study was undertaken to investigate the influence of chemical activation conditions (temperature, residence time, activation agent loading, washing after activation) on raw and partially demineralized HTL solids. Kinetic and equilibrium adsorption investigation was undertaken for the removal of methylene blue (MB) from aqueous solution. For comparison purposes, a commercial activated charcoal (AC) was used. Demineralization was found to have a significant influence in the adsorption capacity of the resultant adsorbents. Three adsorbents were found to follow the Langmuir adsorption model, while the acid washed demineralized adsorbent had higher adsorption capacity than AC and was found to follow the Freundlich adsorption model. The superior performance of the acid washed demineralized adsorbent was verified from the kinetic study where all adsorbents were found to best fit the pseudo-second order model. Adsorption capacities for MB at equilibrium were 367.1, 332.3, 297.4 and 87.6 mg/g, for acid washed demineralized adsorbent, AC, demineralized adsorbent, and raw adsorbent, respectively. Finally, the most promising adsorbents were assessed for their adsorption capacity to remove pharmaceuticals present in a real wastewater treatment effluent. Results indicated ultimate concentration for all targeted compounds below the detection limits for acid washed demineralized adsorbent, AC and demineralized adsorbent. Future implementation of HTL technology in wastewater treatment facilities, will not only provide an efficient way to valorize sewage sludge into bio-crude and nutrients, but can also enhance technology integration by providing the precursors for renewable adsorbents needed in tertiary treatment of wastewater.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Saner
- Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Aarhus University, Hangøvej 2, Aarhus 8200, Denmark; Department of Animal Science, Aarhus University, Blicher Allé 20, Tjele 8830, Denmark
| | - P N Carvalho
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark; WATEC-Centre for Water Technology, Aarhus University, Ny Munkegade 120, Aarhus 8000, Denmark
| | - J Catalano
- Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Aarhus University, Hangøvej 2, Aarhus 8200, Denmark; WATEC-Centre for Water Technology, Aarhus University, Ny Munkegade 120, Aarhus 8000, Denmark
| | - K Anastasakis
- Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Aarhus University, Hangøvej 2, Aarhus 8200, Denmark; WATEC-Centre for Water Technology, Aarhus University, Ny Munkegade 120, Aarhus 8000, Denmark.
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13
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Mohamed BA, Li LY, Hamid H, Jeronimo M. Sludge-based activated carbon and its application in the removal of perfluoroalkyl substances: A feasible approach towards a circular economy. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 294:133707. [PMID: 35066079 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.133707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
This study explores the recovery of resources and energy from sewage sludge through the production of sludge-based activated carbon (SBAC) considering circular economy principles. The SBAC production costs were estimated under three scenarios considering various sludge dewatering/drying schemes to determine the production feasibility and its role in the circular economy. SBAC was tested in the removal of a mixture of nine commonly detected poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in environmentally relevant concentrations of ∽50 μg/L in comparison to commercially available activated carbon (AC) using 5 mg of sorbent and 5 mL of a nine-PFAS mixture in deionised water. SBAC can be produced at approximately 1.2 US $/kg, which is substantially lower than the average production cost of commercial AC of >3 US $/kg. A net revenue ranging from 2 to 7 US $/kg SBAC was estimated by recycling the produced non-condensable gases and bio-oil to produce energy and selling the SBAC. Batch adsorption tests showed that the PFASs removal of SBAC was superior to that of granular AC and similar to that of powdered AC, reaching >91% to below the detection limit. The kinetics tests revealed that adsorption by SBAC and AC occurred within 15 min. The overall results demonstrate the potential of SBAC as an effective sorbent for PFASs, achieving waste-to-resources circular economy via resource and energy recovery from sewage sludge, eliminating sludge disposal and contaminant-leaching to the environment, and in enhancing the quality of wastewater effluent before discharge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Badr A Mohamed
- Department of Civil Engineering, The University of British Columbia, 6250 Applied Science Lane, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada; Department of Agricultural Engineering, Cairo University, Giza 12613, Egypt
| | - Loretta Y Li
- Department of Civil Engineering, The University of British Columbia, 6250 Applied Science Lane, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada.
| | - Hanna Hamid
- Department of Civil Engineering, The University of British Columbia, 6250 Applied Science Lane, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Matthew Jeronimo
- Laboratory Program Manager, School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, 2206 East Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z9, Canada
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14
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Membrane distillation as a second stage treatment of hydrothermal liquefaction wastewater after ultrafiltration. Sep Purif Technol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.seppur.2021.120379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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15
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Abstract
Hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) uses heat and pressure to liquefy the organic matter in biomass/waste feedstocks to produce biocrude. When hydrotreated the biocrude is converted into transportation fuels including sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Further, by liquifying the organic matter in wet wastes such as sewage sludge, manure, and food waste, HTL can prevent landfilling or other disposal methods such as anerobic digestion, or incineration. A significant roadblock to the development of a new route for SAF is the strict approval process, and the large volumes required (>400 L) for testing. Tier α and β testing can predict some of the properties required for ASTM testing with <400 mL samples. The current study is the first to investigate the potential for utilizing wet-waste HTL biocrude (WWHTLB) as an SAF feedstock. Herein, several WWHTLB samples were produced from food waste, sewage sludge, and fats, oils, and grease, and subsequently hydrotreated and distilled to produce SAF samples. The fuels (both undistilled and distilled samples) were analyzed via elemental and 2D-GC-MS. Herein, we report the Tier α and β analysis of an SAF sample derived originally from a WWHTLB. The results of this work indicate that the upgraded WWHTLB material exhibits key fuel properties, including carbon number distribution, distillation profile, surface tension, density, viscosity, heat of combustion, and flash point, which all fall within the required range for aviation fuel. WWHTLB has therefore been shown to be a promising candidate feedstock for the production of SAF.
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16
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Liu H, Basar IA, Nzihou A, Eskicioglu C. Hydrochar derived from municipal sludge through hydrothermal processing: A critical review on its formation, characterization, and valorization. WATER RESEARCH 2021; 199:117186. [PMID: 34010736 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2021.117186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Additional options for the sustainable treatment of municipal sludge are required due to the significant amounts of sludge, high levels of nutrients (e.g., C, N, and P), and trace constituents it contains. Hydrothermal processing of municipal sludge has recently been recognized as a promising technology to efficiently reduce waste volume, recover bioenergy, destroy organic contaminants, and eliminate pathogens. However, a considerable amount of solid residue, called hydrochar, could remain after hydrothermal treatment. This hydrochar can contain abundant amounts of energy (with a higher heating value up to 24 MJ/kg, dry basis), nutrients, and trace elements, as well as surface functional groups. The valorization of sludge-derived hydrochar can facilitate the development and application of hydrothermal technologies. This review summarizes the formation pathways from municipal sludge to hydrochar, specifically, the impact of hydrothermal conditions on reaction mechanisms and product distribution. Moreover, this study comprehensively encapsulates the described characteristics of hydrochar produced under a wide range of conditions: Yield, energy density, physicochemical properties, elemental distribution, contaminants of concern, surface functionality, and morphology. More importantly, this review compares and evaluates the current state of applications of hydrochar: Energy production, agricultural application, adsorption, heterogeneous catalysis, and nutrient recovery. Ultimately, along with the identified challenges and prospects of valorization approaches for sludge-derived hydrochar, conceptual designs of sustainable municipal sludge management are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Liu
- UBC Bioreactor Technology Group, School of Engineering, The University of British Columbia, Okanagan Campus, 1137 Alumni Avenue, Kelowna, British Columbia, V1V 1V7, Canada.
| | - Ibrahim Alper Basar
- UBC Bioreactor Technology Group, School of Engineering, The University of British Columbia, Okanagan Campus, 1137 Alumni Avenue, Kelowna, British Columbia, V1V 1V7, Canada.
| | - Ange Nzihou
- Université de Toulouse, IMT Mines Albi, RAPSODEE CNRS UMR-5302, Campus Jarlard, Albi, 81013 Cedex 09, France.
| | - Cigdem Eskicioglu
- UBC Bioreactor Technology Group, School of Engineering, The University of British Columbia, Okanagan Campus, 1137 Alumni Avenue, Kelowna, British Columbia, V1V 1V7, Canada.
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17
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Abstract
Due to rapid urbanization and industrialization, the population density of the world is intense in developing countries. This overgrowing population has resulted in the production of huge amounts of waste/refused water due to various anthropogenic activities. Household, municipal corporations (MC), urban local bodies (ULBs), and industries produce a huge amount of waste water, which is discharged into nearby water bodies and streams/rivers without proper treatment, resulting in water pollution. This mismanaged treatment of wastewater leads to various challenges like loss of energy to treat the wastewater and scarcity of fresh water, beside various water born infections. However, all these major issues can provide solutions to each other. Most of the wastewater generated by ULBs and industries is rich in various biopolymers like starch, lactose, glucose lignocellulose, protein, lipids, fats, and minerals, etc. These biopolymers can be converted into sustainable biofuels, i.e., ethanol, butanol, biodiesel, biogas, hydrogen, methane, biohythane, etc., through its bioremediation followed by dark fermentation (DF) and anaerobic digestion (AD). The key challenge is to plan strategies in such a way that they not only help in the treatment of wastewater, but also produce some valuable energy driven products from it. This review will deal with various strategies being used in the treatment of wastewater as well as for production of some valuable energy products from it to tackle the upcoming future demands and challenges of fresh water and energy crisis, along with sustainable development.
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