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Skrzypczak D, Trzaska K, Gil F, Izydorczyk G, Chojnacka K. Guidelines for efficient nitrogen preservation in sewage sludge-based fertilizers. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 947:174460. [PMID: 38971255 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2024] [Revised: 06/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/08/2024]
Abstract
This study explores sustainable methods to mitigate nitrogen (N) loss in agriculture amid rising food demands and limited arable land. It examines sewage sludge (SS) as an alternative to synthetic N fertilizers. SS is rich in nitrogen (4.21 ± 0.42 %) and phosphorus (3.60 ± 0.72 %), making it suitable for nutrient recovery and soil enhancement. Unfavorable sludge management methods result in the loss of 950,000 tons of nitrogen, meeting almost 10 % of the EU's nitrogen fertilization demand. This research evaluates SS treatment methods, including chemical conversion, thermal treatment, and biological composting, focusing on nitrogen conservation efficiency. Results show nitrogen loss during hydrolysis is minimized at pH 4 to 8 but increases significantly as ammonia (NH3) at pH 9 to 11, ranging from 4.2 % to 9 %. Neutralizing the hydrolysate is crucial; using solid KOH resulted in 13.5 % nitrogen loss, 11 times more than using slightly alkaline ash (1.22 %). Adding ash during drying reduced nitrogen emissions by 30 % compared to traditional drying at 105 °C. Improving the C/N ratio with food residues reduced nitrogen losses by 46.3 % during composting. These findings highlight the importance of pH control in chemical processes and temperature regulation in thermal treatments. Adding residues from other processes, such as biomass combustion waste, enhances SS processing conditions. Understanding nitrogen retention mechanisms is crucial for the environmental sustainability of SS usage. Efficient nitrogen retention strategies improve the fertilization value of SS and reduce its environmental footprint by lowering greenhouse gas emissions, particularly ammonia. Reducing nitrogen loss during SS treatment significantly lowers ammonia emissions, a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. These results help determine optimal methods for managing and processing SS to minimize emissions and increase agricultural usability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawid Skrzypczak
- Department of Advanced Material Technologies, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wroclaw, Lower Silesia 50-370, Poland.
| | - Krzysztof Trzaska
- Department of Advanced Material Technologies, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wroclaw, Lower Silesia 50-370, Poland
| | - Filip Gil
- Department of Advanced Material Technologies, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wroclaw, Lower Silesia 50-370, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Izydorczyk
- Department of Advanced Material Technologies, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wroclaw, Lower Silesia 50-370, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Chojnacka
- Department of Advanced Material Technologies, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wroclaw, Lower Silesia 50-370, Poland
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Szopa D, Izydorczyk G, Chojnacka K, Witek-Krowiak A. Evaluation of the feasibility of using inorganic and organic acids for the extraction of amino acids from high-protein material (mealworm larvae) by chemical hydrolysis. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 349:119479. [PMID: 37944317 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.119479] [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: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
High-protein mealworm larvae (Tenebrio molitor) were treated with organic and inorganic acids in order to check the feasibility of applying acid hydrolyzates derived from them. Hydrolysis was optimized for the highest content of amino acids that have beneficial effects on plant development. The response surface method served the purpose of selecting optimal process conditions for such media as phosphoric acid, citric acid, acetic acid and mixtures of phosphoric and citric acids. The elemental composition of the best formulations and their amino acid profile was determined. Plant tests on cucumber (germination and pot tests) revealed the beneficial effect of the hydrolyzates on plant biometric parameters. By offering valuable insights into the relationship between fertilizer treatments and plant growth, our study contributes to developing sustainable agricultural practices and improved crop productivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Szopa
- Department of Advanced Material Technologies, Faculty of Chemistry, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, Smoluchowskiego 25, 50-372 Wroclaw, Poland.
| | - Grzegorz Izydorczyk
- Department of Advanced Material Technologies, Faculty of Chemistry, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, Smoluchowskiego 25, 50-372 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Chojnacka
- Department of Advanced Material Technologies, Faculty of Chemistry, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, Smoluchowskiego 25, 50-372 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Anna Witek-Krowiak
- Department of Advanced Material Technologies, Faculty of Chemistry, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, Smoluchowskiego 25, 50-372 Wroclaw, Poland
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Skrzypczak D, Lale D, Mikula K, Izydorczyk G, Połomska X, Matejko M, Moustakas K, Witek-Krowiak A, Chojnacka K. Maximizing the potential of leachate from sewage sludge as a sustainable nutrients source to alleviate the fertilizer crisis. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 338:117794. [PMID: 36996565 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.117794] [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: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Leachate from separate digesters in biological wastewater treatment plants contains valuable biogenic compounds that can serve as fertilizer nutrients. In this study, a method was developed to utilize leachate from sewage sludge dewatering as a raw material for the preparation of a plant conditioner, providing water, nutrients, and growth-stimulating amino acids. A chemical conditioning procedure (65% HNO3) was used to prepare the leachate solution for fertilization. The feasibility of producing an amino acid-based fertilizer using shrimp shells and inorganic acids (96% H2SO4 and 85% H3PO4) was also demonstrated. Microbiological analysis confirmed the safety of the formulations, and chelation of micronutrients with available amino acids was proven (up to 100% chelating degree). The bioavailability of all nutrients was confirmed through extraction tests (extraction in neutral ammonium citrate). Germination tests showed similar fresh plant masses to those with commercial preparations, demonstrating the effectiveness of the developed technology. This approach aligns with circular economy principles and sustainable development and contributes to mitigating the impacts of climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawid Skrzypczak
- Department of Advanced Material Technologies, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wroclaw, Lower Silesia, 50-370, Poland.
| | - Derya Lale
- Department of Advanced Material Technologies, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wroclaw, Lower Silesia, 50-370, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Mikula
- Department of Advanced Material Technologies, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wroclaw, Lower Silesia, 50-370, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Izydorczyk
- Department of Advanced Material Technologies, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wroclaw, Lower Silesia, 50-370, Poland
| | - Xymena Połomska
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Microbiology, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wroclaw, Lower Silesia, 51-630, Poland
| | - Michalina Matejko
- Department of Advanced Material Technologies, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wroclaw, Lower Silesia, 50-370, Poland
| | - Konstantinos Moustakas
- School of Chemical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, 9 Iroon Polytechniou Str., Zographou Campus, GR-15780 Athens, Greece
| | - Anna Witek-Krowiak
- Department of Advanced Material Technologies, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wroclaw, Lower Silesia, 50-370, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Chojnacka
- Department of Advanced Material Technologies, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wroclaw, Lower Silesia, 50-370, Poland
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Bravo FI, Calvo E, López-Villalba RA, Torres-Fuentes C, Muguerza B, García-Ruiz A, Morales D. Valorization of Chicken Slaughterhouse Byproducts to Obtain Antihypertensive Peptides. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15020457. [PMID: 36678328 PMCID: PMC9864718 DOI: 10.3390/nu15020457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Hypertension (HTN) is the leading cause of premature deaths worldwide and the main preventable risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, there is a current need for new therapeutics to manage this condition. In this regard, protein hydrolysates containing antihypertensive bioactive peptides are of increasing interest. Thus, agri-food industry byproducts have emerged as a valuable source to obtain these hydrolysates as they are rich in proteins and inexpensive. Among these, byproducts from animal origin stand out as they are abundantly generated worldwide. Hence, this review is focused on evaluating the potential role of chicken slaughterhouse byproducts as a source of peptides for managing HTN. Several of these byproducts such as blood, bones, skins, and especially, chicken feet have been used to obtain protein hydrolysates with angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)-inhibitory activity and blood pressure-lowering effects. An increase in levels of endogenous antioxidant compounds, a reduction in ACE activity, and an improvement of HTN-associated endothelial dysfunction were the mechanisms underlying their effects. However, most of these studies were carried out in animal models, and further clinical studies are needed in order to confirm these antihypertensive properties. This would increase the value of these byproducts, contributing to the circular economy model of slaughterhouses.
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Skrzypczak D, Gil F, Izydorczyk G, Mikula K, Gersz A, Hoppe V, Chojnacka K, Witek-Krowiak A. Innovative bio-waste-based multilayer hydrogel fertilizers as a new solution for precision agriculture. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2022; 321:116002. [PMID: 36104889 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.116002] [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: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the research work was to present a multilayer hydrogel capsule with controlled nutrient release properties as an innovative fertilizer designed for sustainable agriculture. Preparation of the capsules included the following steps: sorption of micronutrients (Cu, Mn, Zn) on eggshells (1) and their immobilization in sodium alginate, with the crosslinking agent being the NPK solution (2). The capsules were coated with an additional layer of a mixture of biopolymers (0.79% alginate, 0.24% carboxymethylcellulose and 8.07% starch)by means of dipping and spraying techniques. The biocomposites were characterized by limited (<10% within 100 h for the structures encapsulated by the dipping method) release of fertilizer ions (except for small K+ ions). The hydrogel fertilizer formulations were analyzed for physicochemical properties such as macro- and micronutrient content, surface morphology analysis, coating structure evaluation, mechanical properties, swelling and drying kinetics. High nutrient bioavailability was confirmed in vitro (extraction in water and neutral ammonium citrate). Germination and pot tests have revealed that the application of multicomponent hydrogel fertilizers increases the length of cucumber roots by 20%, compared to the commercial product.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawid Skrzypczak
- Department of Advanced Material Technologies, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wroclaw, Lower Silesia, 50-370, Poland.
| | - Filip Gil
- Department of Advanced Material Technologies, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wroclaw, Lower Silesia, 50-370, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Izydorczyk
- Department of Advanced Material Technologies, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wroclaw, Lower Silesia, 50-370, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Mikula
- Department of Advanced Material Technologies, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wroclaw, Lower Silesia, 50-370, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Gersz
- Department of Advanced Material Technologies, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wroclaw, Lower Silesia, 50-370, Poland
| | - Viktoria Hoppe
- Center for Advanced Manufacturing Technologies (CAMT), Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Łukasiewicza 5, 50-371 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Chojnacka
- Department of Advanced Material Technologies, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wroclaw, Lower Silesia, 50-370, Poland
| | - Anna Witek-Krowiak
- Department of Advanced Material Technologies, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wroclaw, Lower Silesia, 50-370, Poland
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Li Q. Perspectives on Converting Keratin-Containing Wastes Into Biofertilizers for Sustainable Agriculture. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:918262. [PMID: 35794912 PMCID: PMC9251476 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.918262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Keratin-containing wastes become pollution to the environment if they are not treated properly. On the other hand, these wastes can be converted into value-added products applicable to many fields. Organic fertilizers and biofertilizers are important for sustainable agriculture by providing nutrients to enhance the growth speed of the plant and production. Keratin-containing wastes, therefore, will be an important resource to produce organic fertilizers. Many microorganisms exhibit capabilities to degrade keratins making them attractive to convert keratin-containing wastes into valuable products. In this review, the progress in microbial degradation of keratins is summarized. In addition, perspectives in converting keratin into bio- and organic fertilizers for agriculture are described. With proper treatment, feather wastes which are rich in keratin can be converted into high-value fertilizers to serve as nutrients for plants, reduce environmental pressure and improve the quality of the soil for sustainable agriculture.
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