1
|
Hootmirdoosti S, Okati N, Nowrouzi M, Erfani M. Life cycle analysis of the wastewater treatment system in Zabol Industrial Town: Environmental impacts, energy demand, and greenhouse gas emissions. INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT 2024; 20:1747-1758. [PMID: 38695639 DOI: 10.1002/ieam.4942] [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: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024]
Abstract
Use of effective environmental remediation facilities represents a crucial strategy for water reclamation and addressing the challenges of water scarcity. The objective of this study was to assess the wastewater treatment system (WWTS) in Zabol Industrial Town using the life cycle assessment method. Primary data, collected annually for a functional unit of 1 m3 of wastewater treatment, were subjected to analysis using the ReCiPe, Cumulative Energy Demand, and Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) methods. Human carcinogenic toxicity (50%), freshwater ecotoxicity (13%), and marine ecotoxicity (10%) were the primary environmental impacts due to the WWTS performance. The discharge of heavy metals during sludge generation, coupled with the consumption of natural gas and oil, especially for electricity production, were pivotal factors contributing to the environmental burdens observed. Furthermore, chemical oxygen demand (COD) (56.34%), electricity consumption (>15.47%), and total phosphorous (>4.49%) significantly threatened human health and ecosystem categories, while fossil fuel consumption had the greatest impact on resources. Nonrenewable fossil fuels, namely, natural gas (47.2%) and oil (38.27%), played a predominant role in the energy provision of the system. The IPCC analysis depicted the emissions of CO2 (86.77%) and CH4 (12.16%) stemming from the process of electricity generation. Based on the outcomes of the sensitivity analysis, implementing a 10% increase in COD yielded an increment in all impacts within the range of 1.40% to 6.83%. Given Iran's geographic location and the unique climatic conditions in Zabul, use of solar and wind energy to energize the WWTS can substantially alleviate its environmental burdens. This study presents a comprehensive framework for evaluating the environmental impact, energy consumption, and carbon footprint of a WWTS. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:1747-1758. © 2024 SETAC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simineh Hootmirdoosti
- Department of Environment, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Zabol, Zabol, Sistan and Baluchestan, Iran
| | - Narjes Okati
- Department of Environment, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Zabol, Zabol, Sistan and Baluchestan, Iran
| | - Mohsen Nowrouzi
- Department of Science and Biotechnology, Faculty of Nano and Bio Science and Technology, Persian Gulf University, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Malihe Erfani
- Department of Environment, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Zabol, Zabol, Sistan and Baluchestan, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Śniatała B, Al-Hazmi HE, Sobotka D, Zhai J, Mąkinia J. Advancing sustainable wastewater management: A comprehensive review of nutrient recovery products and their applications. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 937:173446. [PMID: 38788940 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173446] [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: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Wastewater serves as a vital resource for sustainable fertilizer production, particularly in the recovery of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P). This comprehensive study explores the recovery chain, from technology to final product reuse. Biomass growth is the most cost-effective method, valorizing up to 95 % of nutrients, although facing safety concerns. Various techniques enable the recovery of 100 % P and up to 99 % N, but challenges arise during the final product crystallization due to the high solubility of ammonium salts. Among these techniques, chemical precipitation and ammonia stripping/ absorption have achieved full commercialization, with estimated recovery costs of 6.0-10.0 EUR kgP-1 and 4.4-4.8 £ kgN-1, respectively. Multiple technologies integrating biomass thermo-chemical processing and P and/or N have also reached technology readiness level TRL = 9. However, due to maturing regulatory of waste-derived products, not all of their products are commercially available. The non-homogenous nature of wastewater introduces impurities into nutrient recovery products. While calcium and iron impurities may impact product bioavailability, some full-scale P recovery technologies deliver products containing this admixture. Recovered mineral nutrient forms have shown up to 60 % higher yield biomass growth compared to synthetic fertilizers. Life cycle assessment studies confirm the positive environmental outcomes of nutrient recycling from wastewater to agricultural applications. Integration of novel technologies may increase wastewater treatment costs by a few percent, but this can be offset through renewable energy utilization and the sale of recovered products. Moreover, simultaneous nutrient recovery and energy production via bio-electrochemical processes contributes to carbon neutrality achieving. Interdisciplinary cooperation is essential to offset both energy and chemicals inputs, increase their cos-efficiency and optimize technologies and understand the nutrient release patterns of wastewater-derived products on various crops. Addressing non-technological factors, such as legal and financial support, infrastructure redesign, and market-readiness, is crucial for successfully implementation and securing the global food production.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bogna Śniatała
- Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Gdansk University of Technology, Narutowicza 11/12, Gdańsk, Poland.
| | - Hussein E Al-Hazmi
- Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Gdansk University of Technology, Narutowicza 11/12, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Dominika Sobotka
- Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Gdansk University of Technology, Narutowicza 11/12, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Jun Zhai
- Institute for Smart City of Chongqing University in Liyang, Chongqing University, Jiangsu 213300, China
| | - Jacek Mąkinia
- Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Gdansk University of Technology, Narutowicza 11/12, Gdańsk, Poland.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Tlatlaa JS, Tryphone GM, Nassary EK. Impact of sowing date and level of phosphorus application on economic returns in cotton. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2024; 15:1402731. [PMID: 38933458 PMCID: PMC11199725 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2024.1402731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
This study explored the economic dynamics of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) production in Msilale village, Chato District, Tanzania. The experiment utilized a factorial design with sowing dates on November 25th, December 15th, and January 4th, and phosphorus levels at 0, 20, 40, and 60 kg P ha-1, replicated three times. Results indicated significantly higher cotton yields (6.1 t ha-1 and 6.3 t ha-1) for November and December sowings compared to January (3.8 t ha-1). This is a 61% and 66% increase in cotton yields for November and December sowings, respectively relative to January sowing. Though not significant, 20 kg P ha-1 and 40 kg P ha-1 applications yielded 5.8 t ha-1 and 5.4 t ha-1, respectively, while 60 kg P ha-1 yielded 5.3 t ha-1. This is a 9.4% and 1.9% increase in cotton yields at 20 and 40 kg P ha-1, respectively relative to absolute control and 60 kg P ha-1 application. Economic analysis revealed that late sowing (January) had the lowest net profit (Tshs. 3,723,400 ≈ USD 1,486) and benefit-to-cost ratio (BCR) of 11.2. Early sowings recorded higher net profits (Tshs. 6,679,527 ≈ USD 2,666 and Tshs. 6,861,283 ≈ USD 2,738) and BCRs (18.4 and 18.8, respectively). This is a 79% (BCR = 64%) and 84% (BCR = 68) increase in net benefits from early sowings compared to late sowing. Applications of 20, 40, and 60 kg P ha-1 resulted in net benefits of Tshs. 5,452,572 ≈ USD 2,176 (BCR = 19.2), Tshs. 5,209,904 ≈ USD 2,079 (BCR = 15.1), and Tshs. 5,748,786 ≈ USD 2,294 (BCR = 14.1), respectively, with a significant (p = 0.017) BCR at 20 kg P ha-1 indicating cost-effectiveness. This is a 36% and 7.1% economic benefit at 20 and 40 kg P ha-1, respectively compared to 60 kg P ha-1 application. Optimizing sowing dates and P levels can boost economic returns in cotton production and promote sustainability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Shauri Tlatlaa
- Sokoine University of Agriculture, College of Agriculture, Department of Crop Science and Horticulture, Chuo-Kikuu, Morogoro, Tanzania
| | - George Muhamba Tryphone
- Sokoine University of Agriculture, College of Agriculture, Department of Crop Science and Horticulture, Chuo-Kikuu, Morogoro, Tanzania
| | - Eliakira Kisetu Nassary
- Sokoine University of Agriculture, College of Agriculture, Department of Soil and Geological Sciences, Chuo-Kikuu, Morogoro, Tanzania
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Gong Y, Zheng X, Liu G, Lam KL. Compiling life cycle inventories for wastewater-derived products. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 255:121439. [PMID: 38520775 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
With the paradigm shift in wastewater management from pollutant removal to resource recovery, more wastewater-derived products are emerging from different recovery pathways. It is becoming increasingly important to understand the potential environmental impacts of these products through life cycle assessment (LCA). This study aims to compile life cycle inventories of wastewater-derived products from the perspective of the product end users (e.g., agricultural sector, packaging industry), and to explore the challenges of their compilation. Using inventories from wastewater resource recovery LCA literature, we compiled an attributional inventory (88 sets) and a consequential inventory (33 sets) of three categories of wastewater-derived products - phosphorus compounds, nitrogen compounds, and biopolymers. The two inventories differ by the choices of system boundary, how foreground systems are being modelled, and how co-products are being handled. We found that while there is a large body of literature related to wastewater resource recovery LCA, very few studies (29 out of 174 for the three categories of products) are suitable for end users to successfully compile inventories of derived products. The inventories were assessed by the technology readiness level assessment, the data quality assessment, and the cumulative energy demand indicator. The inventories can be used directly by end users or served as "screening" inventories for end users to prioritize data collection effort. The identified challenges of inventory compilation include diverse recovery settings, the absence of baseline scenarios, the multifunctional nature of wastewater treatment plants, the lack of inventory transparency and completeness, and low technology readiness level for some recovery pathways. While established or emerging approaches exist to address most of these challenges for end users, wastewater resource recovery LCA practitioners can enhance their assessments to be more end-user-oriented. This can be achieved by including baseline non-recovery scenarios, disclosing detailed life cycle inventory by system components, and assessing a wide variety of operating scenarios. Addressing some of these compilation challenges would enhance the comprehensiveness and quality of wastewater-derived product inventories.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuxian Gong
- Division of Natural and Applied Sciences, Duke Kunshan University, Kunshan, Jiangsu, 215316, China; Research Centre for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China
| | - Xinyu Zheng
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Science and Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215009, China
| | - Gang Liu
- Research Centre for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China.
| | - Ka Leung Lam
- Division of Natural and Applied Sciences, Duke Kunshan University, Kunshan, Jiangsu, 215316, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Pausta CM, Kalbar P, Saroj D. Life cycle assessment of nutrient recovery strategies from domestic wastewaters to quantify environmental performance and identification of trade-offs. Sci Rep 2024; 14:3678. [PMID: 38355901 PMCID: PMC10867002 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-54060-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Increase in anthropogenic activities proliferated the consumption of resources such as phosphorus; and increase the adverse environmental impacts especially eutrophication on water resources such as lakes. Nutrient recovery from domestic wastewaters to produce a fertiliser has been explored to address these challenges in the context of a sustainable circular nutrient economy. Life cycle assessment (LCA) was performed to holistically assess the impacts of integrating a nutrient recovery system on wastewater and water resource management using Laguna de Bay, Philippines as the geographical boundary. The inventory was developed based on the results of the emerging nutrient recovery reactor operations and the application of the recovered fertiliser on the agricultural crops. The LCA results for the proposed scenario showed environmental benefits of about 83.6% freshwater eutrophication, 102.5% terrestrial ecotoxicity, 26.9% water consumption, 100.7% mineral resource scarcity, while the global warming potential is 95.4% higher than the baseline scenario. Results imply policy review for septage management, system optimisation, and evaluation of alternative methods of wastewater management, in terms of life cycle thinking and sustainability across the globe.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carla Mae Pausta
- Centre for Environmental Health and Engineering (CEHE), School of Sustainability, Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Surrey, Guildford, GU2 7XH, UK
| | - Pradip Kalbar
- Centre for Urban Science and Engineering (CUSE), Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai, 400076, India
| | - Devendra Saroj
- Centre for Environmental Health and Engineering (CEHE), School of Sustainability, Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Surrey, Guildford, GU2 7XH, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zaki M, Rowles LS, Adjeroh DA, Orner KD. A Critical Review of Data Science Applications in Resource Recovery and Carbon Capture from Organic Waste. ACS ES&T ENGINEERING 2023; 3:1424-1467. [PMID: 37854077 PMCID: PMC10580293 DOI: 10.1021/acsestengg.3c00043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
Municipal and agricultural organic waste can be treated to recover energy, nutrients, and carbon through resource recovery and carbon capture (RRCC) technologies such as anaerobic digestion, struvite precipitation, and pyrolysis. Data science could benefit such technologies by improving their efficiency through data-driven process modeling along with reducing environmental and economic burdens via life cycle assessment (LCA) and techno-economic analysis (TEA), respectively. We critically reviewed 616 peer-reviewed articles on the use of data science in RRCC published during 2002-2022. Although applications of machine learning (ML) methods have drastically increased over time for modeling RRCC technologies, the reviewed studies exhibited significant knowledge gaps at various model development stages. In terms of sustainability, an increasing number of studies included LCA with TEA to quantify both environmental and economic impacts of RRCC. Integration of ML methods with LCA and TEA has the potential to cost-effectively investigate the trade-off between efficiency and sustainability of RRCC, although the literature lacked such integration of techniques. Therefore, we propose an integrated data science framework to inform efficient and sustainable RRCC from organic waste based on the review. Overall, the findings from this review can inform practitioners about the effective utilization of various data science methods for real-world implementation of RRCC technologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed
T. Zaki
- Wadsworth
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia 26505, United States
| | - Lewis S. Rowles
- Department
of Civil Engineering and Construction, Georgia
Southern University, Statesboro, Georgia 30458, United States
| | - Donald A. Adjeroh
- Lane
Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia 26505, United States
| | - Kevin D. Orner
- Wadsworth
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia 26505, United States
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Xie J, Zhuge X, Liu X, Zhang Q, Liu Y, Sun P, Zhao Y, Tong Y. Environmental sustainability opportunity and socio-economic cost analyses of phosphorus recovery from sewage sludge. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND ECOTECHNOLOGY 2023; 16:100258. [PMID: 36941883 PMCID: PMC10024106 DOI: 10.1016/j.ese.2023.100258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Although phosphorus (P) recovery and management from sewage sludge are practiced in North America and Europe, such practices are not yet to be implemented in China. Here, we evaluated the environmental sustainability opportunity and socio-economic costs of recovering P from sewage sludge by replacing the current-day treatments (CT; sludge treatment and landfill) and P chemical fertilizer application (CF) in China using life cycle assessment and life cycle costing methods. Three potential P recovery scenarios (PR1‒PR3: struvite, vivianite, and treated sludge) and corresponding current-day scenarios (CT1‒CT3 and CF) were considered. Results indicated that PR1 and PR2 have smaller environmental impacts than the current-day scenarios, whereas PR3 has larger impacts in most categories. PR3 has the lowest net costs (sum of internal costs and benefits, 39.1-54.7 CNY per kg P), whereas PR2 has the lowest external costs (366.8 CNY per kg P). Societal costs for production and land use of 1 kg P by P recovery from sewage sludge (e.g., ∼527 CNY for PR1) are much higher than those of P chemical fertilizers (∼20 CNY for CF). However, considering the costs in the current-day treatments (e.g., ∼524 CNY for CT1), societal costs of P recovery scenarios are close to or slightly lower than those of current-day scenarios. Among the three P recovery scenarios, we found that recovering struvite as P fertilizer has the highest societal feasibility. This study will provide valuable information for improved sewage sludge management and will help promote the sustainable supply of P in China.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiawen Xie
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Xingchen Zhuge
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Xixi Liu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Robert M. Buchan Department of Mining, Queen's University, Kingston, K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Yiwen Liu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Peizhe Sun
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Yingxin Zhao
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Yindong Tong
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
- School of Science, Tibet University, Lhasa, 850012, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Misenan MSM, Hempelmann R, Gallei M, Eren T. Phosphonium-Based Polyelectrolytes: Preparation, Properties, and Usage in Lithium-Ion Batteries. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:2920. [PMID: 37447565 DOI: 10.3390/polym15132920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Phosphorous is an essential element for the life of organisms, and phosphorus-based compounds have many uses in industry, such as flame retardancy reagents, ingredients in fertilizers, pyrotechnics, etc. Ionic liquids are salts with melting points lower than the boiling point of water. The term "polymerized ionic liquids" (PILs) refers to a class of polyelectrolytes that contain an ionic liquid (IL) species in each monomer repeating unit and are connected by a polymeric backbone to form macromolecular structures. PILs provide a new class of polymeric materials by combining some of the distinctive qualities of ILs in the polymer chain. Ionic liquids have been identified as attractive prospects for a variety of applications due to the high stability (thermal, chemical, and electrochemical) and high mobility of their ions, but their practical applicability is constrained because they lack the benefits of both liquids and solids, suffering from both leakage issues and excessive viscosity. PILs are garnering for developing non-volatile and non-flammable solid electrolytes. In this paper, we provide a brief review of phosphonium-based PILs, including their synthesis route, properties, advantages and drawbacks, and the comparison between nitrogen-based and phosphonium-based PILs. As phosphonium PILs can be used as polymer electrolytes in lithium-ion battery (LIB) applications, the conductivity and the thermo-mechanical properties are the most important features for this polymer electrolyte system. The chemical structure of phosphonium-based PILs that was reported in previous literature has been reviewed and summarized in this article. Generally, the phosphonium PILs that have more flexible backbones exhibit better conductivity values compared to the PILs that consist of a rigid backbone. At the end of this section, future directions for research regarding PILs are discussed, including the use of recyclable phosphorus from waste.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Rolf Hempelmann
- Transfercentre Sustainable Electrochemistry, Saarland University and KIST Europe, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Markus Gallei
- Polymer Chemistry, Saarland University, Campus C4 2, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
- Saarene-Saarland Center for Energy Materials and Sustainability, Campus C4 2, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Tarik Eren
- Department of Chemistry, College of Arts and Science, Davutpasa Campus, Yildiz Technical University, 34220 Istanbul, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Sen A, Bakshi BR. Techno-economic and life cycle analysis of circular phosphorus systems in agriculture. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 872:162016. [PMID: 36775165 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Fertilizer runoff is a global nuisance that disrupts biogeochemical cycles of nitrogen and phosphorus. We perform techno-economic and life cycle analyses of selected approaches for enabling a circular economy of phosphorus. We consider four schemes: capturing P with ion-exchange resins followed by precipitation, interception by wetland and recovery in char after biomass pyrolysis, removal by bioreactor and recovery in char after bioreactor substrate pyrolysis, and using legacy phosphorus accumulated in a saturated wetland to grow crops by wetlaculture. For each system, we analyze the mass flow, calculate the degree of circularity, and examine the feasibility by techno-economic and life cycle analyses. We find that although ion exchange outperforms the others, the associated economic and emissions burden are too high. Approaches that rely on wetlands are most economically attractive and can have lower impact. However, without policy interventions, the linear economy of phosphorus is likely to remain economically most attractive.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amrita Sen
- William G. Lowrie Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Bhavik R Bakshi
- William G. Lowrie Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Pereira ASADP, Magalhães IB, Ferreira J, Castro JDS, Calijuri ML. Microalgae organomineral fertilizer production: A life cycle approach. ALGAL RES 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.algal.2023.103035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
|
11
|
Devos P, Filali A, Grau P, Gillot S. Sidestream characteristics in water resource recovery facilities: A critical review. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 232:119620. [PMID: 36780748 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.119620] [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: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
This review compiles information on sidestream characteristics that result from anaerobic digestion dewatering (conventional and preceded by a thermal hydrolysis process), biological and primary sludge thickening. The objective is to define a range of concentrations for the different characteristics found in literature and to confront them with the optimal operating conditions of sidestream processes for nutrient treatment or recovery. Each characteristic of sidestream (TSS, VSS, COD, N, P, Al3+, Ca2+, Cl-, Fe2+/3+, Mg2+, K+, Na+, SO42-, heavy metals, micro-pollutants and pathogens) is discussed according to the water resource recovery facility configuration, wastewater characteristics and implications for the recovery of nitrogen and phosphorus based on current published knowledge on the processes implemented at full-scale. The thorough analysis of sidestream characteristics shows that anaerobic digestion sidestreams have the highest ammonium content compared to biological and primary sludge sidestreams. Phosphate content in anaerobic digestion sidestreams depends on the type of applied phosphorus treatment but is also highly dependent on precipitation reactions within the digester. Thermal Hydrolysis Process (THP) mainly impacts COD, N and alkalinity content in anaerobic digestion sidestreams. Surprisingly, the concentration of phosphate is not higher compared to conventional anaerobic digestion, thus offering more attractive recovery possibilities upstream of the digester rather than in sidestreams. All sidestream processes investigated in the present study (struvite, partial nitrification/anammox, ammonia stripping, membranes, bioelectrochemical system, electrodialysis, ion exchange system and algae production) suffer from residual TSS in sidestreams. Above a certain threshold, residual COD and ions can also deteriorate the performance of the process or the purity of the final nutrient-based product. This article also provides a list of characteristics to measure to help in the choice of a specific process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ahlem Filali
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, UR PROSE, F-92761, Antony, France
| | - Paloma Grau
- Ceit and Tecnun, Manuel de Lardizabal 15, 20018, San Sebastian, Spain
| | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Life Cycle Assessment and Its Application in Wastewater Treatment: A Brief Overview. Processes (Basel) 2023. [DOI: 10.3390/pr11010208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
This paper provides a brief review on wastewater treatment system and the application of life cycle assessment (LCA) for assessing its environmental performance. An extensive review regarding the geographical relevance of LCA for WWTPs, and the evaluation of sustainable wastewater treatment by LCA in both developed and developing countries are also discussed. The objective of the review is to identify knowledge gap, for the improvement of the LCA application and methodology to WWTPs. A total of 35 published articles related to wastewater treatment (WWT) and LCA from international scientific journals were studied thoroughly and summarised from 2006 to 2022. This review found that there is lack of studies concerning LCA of WWTPs that consider specific local criteria especially in the developing countries. Thus, it is important to: (1) assess the influence of seasonality (i.e., dry and wet seasons) on the environmental impact of WWT, (2) investigate environmental impacts from WWTPs in developing countries focusing on the site-specific inventory data, and (3) evaluate environmental sustainability of different processes for upgrading the wastewater treatment system. The environmental impact and cost assessment aspects are crucial for the sustainable development of WWTP. Therefore, environmental impacts must be thoroughly assessed to provide recommendation for future policy and for the water industry in determining environmental trade-offs toward sustainable development.
Collapse
|
13
|
Da C, Gu X, Lu C, Hua R, Chang X, Cheng Y, Qian F, Wang Y. Greenhouse gas emission benefits of adopting new energy vehicles in Suzhou City, China: A case study. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:76286-76297. [PMID: 35668254 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-21284-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The promotion of new energy in light-duty vehicles (LDVs) is considered as an effective approach for achieving low-carbon road transport targets. In this study, life cycle assessment was performed for five typical vehicle models in Suzhou City (fourth largest LDV stock in China): internal combustion engine vehicle (ICEV), hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), plug-in electric vehicle (PHEV), battery electric vehicle (BEV) and hydrogen fuel cell vehicle (HFCV). Their energy consumption, and greenhouse gas (GHG) and air pollutant emissions during vehicle and fuel cycles in 2020 were examined using the Greenhouse gases, Regulated Emissions, and Energy Use in Transportation (GREET) model. GHG emission reduction potential of LDV fleet was projected under various scenarios for 2021-2040. The results showed that BEVs exhibited advantages for replacing ICEVs over HEVs, PHEVs and HFCVs, taking into account China's road electrification policy. The GHG emission intensity of BEVs in 2040 was estimated to be 19-34% of ICEVs in 2020, with a deep decarbonized electricity mix and improved vehicle efficiency. For the aggressive Sustainable Development Scenario, the GHG emissions of LDVs would peak before 2026, ahead of China's target by 2030, and the ~ 100% share of EVs in 2040 would result in a lower GHG emissions, equivalent to the 2010 level. It highlights the importance of early action, green electricity mix, and public transport development in reducing GHG emissions of large LDV fleet.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cui Da
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, No. 1 Kerui Road, Suzhou, 215009, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinyu Gu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, No. 1 Kerui Road, Suzhou, 215009, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunchen Lu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, No. 1 Kerui Road, Suzhou, 215009, People's Republic of China
| | - Ruiqi Hua
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, No. 1 Kerui Road, Suzhou, 215009, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinyue Chang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, No. 1 Kerui Road, Suzhou, 215009, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuanyuan Cheng
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, No. 1 Kerui Road, Suzhou, 215009, People's Republic of China
| | - Feiyue Qian
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, No. 1 Kerui Road, Suzhou, 215009, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yiheng Wang
- Suzhou Foreign Language School, No. 201 Zhuyuan Road, Suzhou, 215011, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Zahed MA, Salehi S, Tabari Y, Farraji H, Ataei-Kachooei S, Zinatizadeh AA, Kamali N, Mahjouri M. Phosphorus removal and recovery: state of the science and challenges. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:58561-58589. [PMID: 35780273 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-21637-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Phosphorus is one of the main nutrients required for all life. Phosphorus as phosphate form plays an important role in different cellular processes. Entrance of phosphorus in the environment leads to serious ecological problems including water quality problems and soil pollution. Furthermore, it may cause eutrophication as well as harmful algae blooms (HABs) in aquatic environments. Several physical, chemical, and biological methods have been presented for phosphorus removal and recovery. In this review, there is an overview of phosphorus role in nature provided, available removal processes are discussed, and each of them is explained in detail. Chemical precipitation, ion exchange, membrane separation, and adsorption can be listed as the most used methods. Identifying advantages of these technologies will allow the performance of phosphorus removal systems to be updated, optimized, evaluate the treatment cost and benefits, and support select directions for further action. Two main applications of biochar and nanoscale materials are recommended.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Samira Salehi
- Department of Health, Safety and Environment, Petropars Company, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Yasaman Tabari
- Faculty of Sciences and Advanced Technologies, Science and Culture University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Farraji
- School of Physical and Chemical Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | | | - Ali Akbar Zinatizadeh
- Faculty of Chemistry, Department of Applied Chemistry, Environmental Research Center (ERC), Razi University, Kermanshah, 67144-14971, Iran
- Department of Environmental Sciences, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, University of South Africa, P.O. Box 392, Florida, 1710, South Africa
| | - Nima Kamali
- Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Mahjouri
- Department of Environmental Engineering, University of Tehran, Kish International Campus, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Lam KL, Solon K, Jia M, Volcke EIP, van der Hoek JP. Life Cycle Environmental Impacts of Wastewater-Derived Phosphorus Products: An Agricultural End-User Perspective. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:10289-10298. [PMID: 35796480 PMCID: PMC9301919 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c00353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Recovering phosphorus from wastewater in more concentrated forms has potential to sustainably recirculate phosphorus from cities to agriculture. The environmental sustainability of wastewater-based phosphorus recovery processes or wastewater-derived phosphorus products can be evaluated using life cycle assessment (LCA). Many LCA studies used a process perspective to account for the impacts of integrating phosphorus recovery processes at wastewater treatment plants, while some used a product perspective to assess the impacts of producing wastewater-derived phosphorus products. We demonstrated the application of an end-user perspective by assessing life cycle environmental impacts of substituting half of the conventional phosphorus rock-based fertilizers used in three crop production systems with wastewater-derived phosphorus products from six recovery pathways (RPs). The consequential LCA results show that the substitution reduces global warming potential, eutrophication potential, ecotoxicity potential, and acidification potential of the assessed crop production systems in most RPs and scenarios. The end-user perspective introduced in this study can (i) complement with the process perspective and the product perspective to give a more holistic picture of environmental impacts along the "circular economy value chains" of wastewater-based resource recovery, (ii) enable systemwide assessment of wide uptake of wastewater-derived products, and (iii) draw attention to understanding the long-term environmental impacts of using wastewater-derived products.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ka Leung Lam
- Department
of Water Management, Delft University of
Technology, Stevinweg
1, Delft 2628 CN, The Netherlands
- Division
of Natural and Applied Sciences, Duke Kunshan
University, 8 Duke Avenue, Kunshan, Jiangsu 215316, China
- ,
| | - Kimberly Solon
- BioCo
Research Group, Department of Green Chemistry and Technology, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, Gent 9000, Belgium
| | - Mingsheng Jia
- BioCo
Research Group, Department of Green Chemistry and Technology, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, Gent 9000, Belgium
| | - Eveline I. P. Volcke
- BioCo
Research Group, Department of Green Chemistry and Technology, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, Gent 9000, Belgium
| | - Jan Peter van der Hoek
- Department
of Water Management, Delft University of
Technology, Stevinweg
1, Delft 2628 CN, The Netherlands
- Waternet, Korte Ouderkerkerdijk 7, Amsterdam 1096 AC, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Ravi R, Beyers M, Bruun S, Meers E. Life cycle assessment of struvite recovery and wastewater sludge end-use: A Flemish illustration. RESOURCES, CONSERVATION, AND RECYCLING 2022; 182:106325. [PMID: 35782309 PMCID: PMC9093075 DOI: 10.1016/j.resconrec.2022.106325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Phosphate rock (PR) has been designated as a Critical Raw Material in the European Union (EU). This has led to increased emphasis on alternative P recovery (APR) from secondary streams like wastewater sludge (WWS). However, WWS end-use is a contentious topic, and EU member states prefer different end-use pathways (land application/incineration/valorisation in cement kilns). Previous Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) on APRs from WWS reached contrasting conclusions; while most considered WWS as waste and highlighted a net benefit relative to PR mining and beneficiation, others viewed WWS as a resource and highlighted a net burden of the treatment. We used a combined functional unit (that views WWS from a waste as well as a resource perspective) and applied it on a Flemish wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) with struvite recovery as APR technology. Firstly, a retrospective comparison was performed to measure the WWTP performance before and after struvite recovery and the analysis was complemented by uncertainty and global sensitivity analyses. The results showed struvite recovery provides marginal environmental benefits due to improved WWS dewatering and reduced polymer use. Secondly, a prospective LCA approach was performed to reflect policy changes regarding WWS end-use options in Flanders. Results indicated complete mono-incineration of WWS, ash processing to recover P and the subsequent land application appears to be less sustainable in terms of climate change, human toxicity, and terrestrial acidification relative to the status quo, i.e., co-incineration with municipal solid waste and valorisation at cement kilns. Impacts on fossil depletion, however, favour mono-incineration over the status quo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rahul Ravi
- RE-SOURCE LAB, Laboratory for BioResource Recovery, Department of Green Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure links-653, Ghent 9000, Belgium
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, Frederiksberg C, DK-1871, Denmark
| | - Miriam Beyers
- RE-SOURCE LAB, Laboratory for BioResource Recovery, Department of Green Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure links-653, Ghent 9000, Belgium
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, Frederiksberg C, DK-1871, Denmark
| | - Sander Bruun
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, Frederiksberg C, DK-1871, Denmark
| | - Erik Meers
- RE-SOURCE LAB, Laboratory for BioResource Recovery, Department of Green Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure links-653, Ghent 9000, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Wang J, Sun Y, Xia K, Deines A, Cooper R, Pallansch K, Wang ZW. Pivotal role of municipal wastewater resource recovery facilities in urban agriculture: A review. WATER ENVIRONMENT RESEARCH : A RESEARCH PUBLICATION OF THE WATER ENVIRONMENT FEDERATION 2022; 94:e10743. [PMID: 35670377 DOI: 10.1002/wer.10743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Urban agriculture provides a promising, comprehensive solution to water, energy, and food scarcity challenges resulting from the population growth, urbanization, and the accelerating effects of anthropogenic climate change. Their close access to consumers, profitable business models, and important roles in educational, social, and physical entertainment benefit both developing and developed nations. In this sense, Urban Water Resource Reclamation Facilities (WRRFs) can play a pivotal role in the sustainable implementation of urban agriculture. Reclaimed water as a recovered resource has less supply variability and in certain cases can be of higher quality than other water sources used in agriculture. Another recovered resource, namely, biosolids, as byproduct from wastewater treatment can be put to beneficial use as fertilizers, soil amendments, and construction material additives. The renewable electricity, heat, CO2, and bioplastics produced from WRRFs can also serve as essential resources in support of urban agriculture operation with enhanced sustainability. In short, this review exhibits a holistic picture of the state-of-the-art of urban agriculture in which WRRFs can potentially play a pivotal role. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Reclaimed water can be of higher quality than other sources used in urban agriculture. Biosolids can be put to beneficial use as fertilizers, soil amendments, and construction material additives. The renewable electricity, heat, CO2, and bioplastics produced can also serve as essential resources in support of urban agriculture.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiefu Wang
- Center for Applied Water Research and Innovation, Virginia Tech, Ashburn, Virginia, USA
| | - Yuepeng Sun
- Center for Applied Water Research and Innovation, Virginia Tech, Ashburn, Virginia, USA
| | - Kang Xia
- School of Plant and Environmental Science, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
| | | | - Ross Cooper
- Alexandria Renew Enterprises, Alexandria, Virginia, USA
| | | | - Zhi-Wu Wang
- Center for Applied Water Research and Innovation, Virginia Tech, Ashburn, Virginia, USA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Removal of Phosphate from Aqueous Solution by Zeolite-Biochar Composite: Adsorption Performance and Regulation Mechanism. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/app12115334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
Recently, rampant eutrophication induced by phosphorus enrichment in water has been attracting attention worldwide. However, the mechanisms by which phosphate can be eliminated from the aqueous environment remain unclear. This study was aimed at investigating the adsorption performance and regulation mechanisms of the zeolite-biochar composite for removing phosphate from an aqueous environment. To do this, physicochemical properties of the zeolite-biochar composite were assessed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) specific surface area (SSA) analyzer, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Adsorption tests were performed to evaluate the adsorption ability of the composite material for mitigating excess phosphorus in the aqueous environment. The findings evinced that the phosphorus removed by PZC 7:3 (pyrolyzed zeolite and corn straw at a mass ratio of 7:3) can reach 90% of that removed by biochar. The maximum adsorption capacities of zeolite, biochar, and PZC 7:3 were 0.69, 3.60, and 2.41 mg/g, respectively. The main mechanism of phosphate removal by PZC 7:3 was the formation of thin-film amorphous calcium-magnesium phosphate compounds through ligand exchange. This study suggests that PZC 7:3 is a viable adsorbent for the removal of phosphate from aquatic systems.
Collapse
|
19
|
Leveraging Life Cycle Assessment to Better Promote the Circular Economy: A First Step Using the Concept of Opportunity Cost. SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14063451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In economics, opportunity cost is defined as the benefit foregone by choosing another course of action. Considering opportunity costs enables the improved handling of trade-offs to better support strategic decision-making. We introduce the concept of opportunity cost into life cycle assessment (LCA). In our framework, opportunity cost extends the system expansion paradigm to support better alignment with a circular economy (CE). Opportunity cost thinking is considered to be most useful for the efficient allocation of scarce economic capital for the creation of economic value. In the environmental domain, we use such thinking to account for the implications of ‘wasting waste’. In this paper, we consider a case of treated wastewater sludge being used as a source of nutrients as a vehicle to study the points at which LCA can support a CE. Our conclusions, however, have wider repercussions because there are many more situations in which product systems are analytically demarcated from the web of connections in which they are embedded.
Collapse
|
20
|
Santos AF, Almeida PV, Alvarenga P, Gando-Ferreira LM, Quina MJ. From wastewater to fertilizer products: Alternative paths to mitigate phosphorus demand in European countries. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 284:131258. [PMID: 34225107 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.131258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Phosphorus (P) is a non-renewable resource, irreplaceable for life and food production, and currently considered a Critical Raw Material to the European Union (EU). Due to concerns about the rate of consumption and limited reserves in countries with sensitive geopolitical contexts, it is urgent to recover P from urban and industrial flows. Indeed, the municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) are considered relevant sources with several hot spots, especially sewage sludge with estimated recovery efficiencies of >80%. The most promising recovery strategies are based on thermal treatments (e.g., incineration of sludge) following by wet-chemical or thermo-chemical leaching, precipitation, and adsorption. The direct application of sludge on soil is no longer a primary route for P reintegration in the value-chain for countries as Switzerland, Germany, and The Netherlands. In fact, Switzerland and Austria paved the way for implementing P recovery legislation, focusing on recovery from raw sewage sludge or ashes. Indeed, industrial technologies with sludge ash as input show high recovery efficiencies (Ashdec® and Leachphos® with 98 and 79%) and lower environmental impacts, whereas Pearl® technology has about 12% recovery efficiency with wastewater as input. After all, struvite emerges as the most recovered product with recent access to the internal market of EU fertilisers and similar growth performance compared to triple-super-phosphate. However, several studies leave open the possibility of introducing loaded adsorbents with P as soil amendments as a new alternative to conventional desorption. Briefly, P recovery should be a compromise between efficiency, environmental impacts, and economic revenues from the final products.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andreia F Santos
- University of Coimbra, CIEPQPF, Department of Chemical Engineering, Rua Sílvio Lima, Pólo II, Pinhal de Marrocos, 3030-790, Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Patrícia V Almeida
- University of Coimbra, CIEPQPF, Department of Chemical Engineering, Rua Sílvio Lima, Pólo II, Pinhal de Marrocos, 3030-790, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Paula Alvarenga
- LEAF, School of Agriculture, University of Lisbon, Tapada da Ajuda, 1349-017, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Licínio M Gando-Ferreira
- University of Coimbra, CIEPQPF, Department of Chemical Engineering, Rua Sílvio Lima, Pólo II, Pinhal de Marrocos, 3030-790, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Margarida J Quina
- University of Coimbra, CIEPQPF, Department of Chemical Engineering, Rua Sílvio Lima, Pólo II, Pinhal de Marrocos, 3030-790, Coimbra, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Aleisa E, Alsulaili A, Almuzaini Y. Recirculating treated sewage sludge for agricultural use: Life cycle assessment for a circular economy. WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2021; 135:79-89. [PMID: 34478951 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2021.08.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this study is to assess the environmental value of recirculating nutrients from treated sewage sludge by application to agricultural soils to grow forage as opposed to landfilling and incineration. The methodological choices are aligned to the circular economy framework using life cycle assessment. Consequential modeling and open loop modeling were adopted and adhere to ISO 14044 and International Reference Life Cycle Data System (ILCD) standards. The functional unit is defined in terms of the amounts of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) recirculated from the treated sewage sludge produced annually in Kuwait. The results indicate a reduction in environmental burden with respect to fossil fuel depletion, metal depletion and climate change. A total of 95% of the reduction is realized by avoiding virgin nitrogen production and instead using its recirculated counterpart. Considerable amounts of natural gas, coal, dinitrogen monoxide (nitrous oxide, N2O) and copper are consumed during virgin N fertilizer production.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Esra Aleisa
- Industrial and Management Systems Eng, Kuwait University, Safat 13060, Kuwait; Graduate Program for Environmental Sciences, Kuwait University, Safat 13060, Kuwait.
| | - Abdalrahman Alsulaili
- Center of Engineering, Laboratory testing and Calibration, Kuwait University, Safat 13060, Kuwait; Department of Civil Engineering, Kuwait University, Safat 13060, Kuwait.
| | - Yasmeen Almuzaini
- Department of Civil Engineering, Kuwait University, Safat 13060, Kuwait
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Faragò M, Damgaard A, Madsen JA, Andersen JK, Thornberg D, Andersen MH, Rygaard M. From wastewater treatment to water resource recovery: Environmental and economic impacts of full-scale implementation. WATER RESEARCH 2021; 204:117554. [PMID: 34500179 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2021.117554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
To reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote resource recovery, many wastewater treatment operators are retrofitting existing plants to implement new technologies for energy, nutrient and carbon recovery. In literature, there is a lack of studies that can unfold the potential environmental and economic impacts of the transition that wastewater utilities are undertaking to transform their treatment plants to water resource recovery facilities (WRRFs). When existing, literature studies are mostly based on simulations rather than real plant data and pilot-scale results. This study combines life cycle assessment and economic evaluations to quantify the environmental and economic impacts of retrofitting an existing wastewater treatment plant (WWTP), which already implements energy recovery, into a full-scale WRRF with a series of novel technologies, the majority of which are already implemented full-scale or tested through pilot-scales. We evaluate five technology alternatives against the current performance of the WWTP: real-time N2O control, biological biogas upgrading coupled with power-to-hydrogen, phosphorus recovery, pre-filtration carbon harvest and enhanced nitrogen removal. Our results show that real-time N2O control, biological biogas upgrading and pre-filtration lead to a decrease in climate change and fossil resource depletion impacts. The implementation of the real-time measurement and control of N2O achieved the highest reduction in direct CO2-eq emissions (-35%), with no significant impacts in other environmental categories. Biological biogas upgrading contributed to counterbalancing direct and indirect climate change impacts by substituting natural gas consumption and production. Pre-filtration increased climate change reduction by 13%, while it increased impacts in other categories. Enhanced sidestream nitrogen removal increased climate change impacts by 12%, but decreased marine eutrophication impacts by 14%. The reserve base resource depletion impacts, however, were the highest in the plant configurations implementing biological biogas upgrading coupled with power-to-hydrogen. Environmental improvements generated economic costs for all alternatives except for real-time N2O control. The results expose possible environmental and economic trade-offs and hotspots of the journey that large wastewater treatment plants will undertake in transitioning into resource recovery facilities in the coming years.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Faragò
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Water Technology and Processes, Technical University of Denmark, Bygningstorvet, Building 115, Lyngby 2800, Denmark.
| | - Anders Damgaard
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Circularity and Environmental Impact, Technical University of Denmark, Bygningstorvet, Building 115, Lyngby 2800, Denmark
| | | | | | | | | | - Martin Rygaard
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Water Technology and Processes, Technical University of Denmark, Bygningstorvet, Building 115, Lyngby 2800, Denmark.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Preparation of modified mineralized fulvic acid for inhibition of crystallization of calcium phosphate. CHEMICAL PAPERS 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s11696-021-01855-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
|
24
|
Technological Sustainability or Sustainable Technology? A Multidimensional Vision of Sustainability in Manufacturing. SUSTAINABILITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/su13179942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The topic of sustainability is becoming one of the strongest drivers of change in the marketplace by transforming into an element of competitiveness and an integral part of business strategy. Particularly in the manufacturing sector, a key role is played by technological innovations that allow companies to minimize the impact of their business on the environment and contribute to enhancing the value of the societies in which they operate. Technological process can be a lever to generate sustainable behaviors, confirming how innovation and sustainability constitute an increasingly close pair. However, it emerges that the nature of this relationship is explored by researchers and considered by practitioners almost exclusively in terms of the degree of sustainability of technological solutions. Lacking is an in-depth exploration of how a product or process, in addition to being environmentally and socio-economically sustainable, must or can also be technologically sustainable. This research therefore aims to build a theoretical foundation for technological sustainability seen as a possible fourth dimension of sustainable development.
Collapse
|
25
|
Chen X, Zhang W, Wang X, Liu Y, Yu B, Chen X, Zou C. Life cycle assessment of a long-term multifunctional winter wheat-summer maize rotation system on the North China Plain under sustainable P management. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 783:147039. [PMID: 33872909 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.147039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
In sustainable agriculture, sufficient crop yields and nutrients must be produced while maintaining environmental protection. Considering the role of phosphorus (P) fertilizer in influencing crops yield and environmental security, life cycle assessment was used to examine the environmental impacts of long-term P application on the grain yield and nutritional quality of winter wheat and summer maize. Thus, a long-term field experiment with six P application rates for winter wheat (0, 25, 50, 100, 200, and 400 kg P ha-1) and summer maize (0, 12.5, 25, 50, 100, and 200 kg P ha-1) was conducted on the North China Plain (NCP). The results showed that the cradle-to-farm gate eutrophication potential (EP), energy depletion (ED), and P depletion (PD) were significantly affected by the P application rate applied in winter wheat and summer maize production. The critical P rate required to ensure food security for wheat and maize was in line with the optimal rate for sustainable environmental development in terms of grain production and nutrient levels. On the NCP, the ED and PD of summer maize with optimized P management over 10 years were less than those of winter wheat regardless of using yield or nutrient level as the functional unit. However, the EP of the nutrient supply in winter wheat was less than that in summer maize under optimized P fertilization. The specific nutritional components that limited improvements in environment of wheat and maize production under the optimal P rate were energy (calories) and protein, respectively. In conclusion, in a multifunctional winter wheat-summer maize rotation system, optimized P fertilization (50 kg ha-1 for winter wheat and 25 kg ha-1 for summer maize) combined with the planting of high-yield wheat varieties and high-protein maize varieties showed great potential to reduce the environmental impacts of wheat and maize production.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiuxiu Chen
- College of Resources and Environmental Science, National Academy of Agriculture Green Development, Key Laboratory of Plant-Soil Interactions, Ministry of Education, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Xiaozhong Wang
- College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Yumin Liu
- Shandong Academy of Agricultural Science, Jinan 250100, Shandong, China
| | - Baogang Yu
- College of Resources and Environmental Science, National Academy of Agriculture Green Development, Key Laboratory of Plant-Soil Interactions, Ministry of Education, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xinping Chen
- College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Chunqin Zou
- College of Resources and Environmental Science, National Academy of Agriculture Green Development, Key Laboratory of Plant-Soil Interactions, Ministry of Education, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Li Y, Xu Y, Fu Z, Li W, Zheng L, Li M. Assessment of energy use and environmental impacts of wastewater treatment plants in the entire life cycle: A system meta-analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 198:110458. [PMID: 33188763 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.110458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Revised: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) play a critical role in the sustainable development of water resources due to its outstanding ability of removing pollutants from complex influent wastewater and generating clean and safe effluent. This paper innovatively adopted the meta-analysis method in view of published LCA studies to assess the energy use and environmental impacts of WWTPs during their life cycle. The search and screening process determined a useful data source with 54 LCA literatures covering 109 relevant case studies. The meta-analysis results revealed that, compared with other regions, the WWTPs in China have the higher intensity in terms of energy use, global warming potential (GWP), eutrophication potential (EP), acidification potential (AP), photochemical oxidation (PHO), freshwater ecotoxicity potential (FETP) and terrestrial ecotoxicity potential (TETP) categories, implying that the energy conservation and emission reduction strategies are necessary to wastewater treatment industry in China. Moreover, compared with A/A/O and CASS processes, the A/O process consumes less energy and results in lower GWP and AP intensity, but affects adversely the natural water-body protection due to undesirable treatment efficiency. Furthermore, the treatment capacities of medium and large scales (i.e. 5-20 × 104 m3/d) are most reasonable sizes for WWTPs since their intensity of energy use, GWP, EP and AP are under a relatively low level. Finally, a strict effluent discharge standard is highly recommended from the perspective of protecting aquatic environment, although it leads to a higher energy consumption. The findings of this study could provide valuable references for promoting healthy and sustainable wastewater treatment industry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ye Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Regional Energy and Environmental Systems Optimization, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Beijing, 102206, China.
| | - Ye Xu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Regional Energy and Environmental Systems Optimization, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Beijing, 102206, China.
| | - Zhenghui Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012, China.
| | - Wei Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Regional Energy and Environmental Systems Optimization, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Beijing, 102206, China.
| | - Lijun Zheng
- School of Materials and Metallurgy, University of Science and Technology Liaoning, Anshan, 114051, China.
| | - Mengran Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Regional Energy and Environmental Systems Optimization, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Beijing, 102206, China.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Ma P, Rosen C. Land application of sewage sludge incinerator ash for phosphorus recovery: A review. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 274:129609. [PMID: 33545594 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.129609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Phosphorus (P) is essential for all living things and an integral part of food production. However, significant amounts of P are functionally lost when wastewater byproducts, such as biosolids or sewage sludge incinerator ash (SSA), are not beneficially reused. Around 20% of sewage sludge produced in the US is incinerated and nearly 25% of sewage sludge is incinerated in European Union member countries. SSA contains significant amounts of P (up to 14% total P) and other beneficial elements but is typically sent to landfills for disposal. However, SSA has also been explored as one method of capturing and redirecting P back into the food system. Research investigating SSA characterization, P availability, and contaminant concentrations and behavior in soil is required to understand the effects of SSA land application on soil chemical properties and crop production. Several approaches for recovering P from SSA have been investigated that consider these factors. Ultimately, the opportunity for land application of SSA depends on the individual characteristics of a given SSA, ex. total P and contaminant concentrations, and the requirements and regulations of the region where it is produced and applied. In this review, we address the history of P recovery from SSA and discuss research regarding characterization, contaminants, P availability, and land application of SSA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Persephone Ma
- Department of Soil, Water, and Climate, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, USA
| | - Carl Rosen
- Department of Soil, Water, and Climate, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Ding A, Zhang R, Ngo HH, He X, Ma J, Nan J, Li G. Life cycle assessment of sewage sludge treatment and disposal based on nutrient and energy recovery: A review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 769:144451. [PMID: 33736265 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.144451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/06/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
With the acceleration of urbanization, the production of urban sludge is increasing rapidly. To minimize resource input and waste output, it is crucial to execute analyses of environmental impact and assessments of sustainability on different technical strategies involving sludge disposal based on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), which is a great potential mean of environmental management adopted internationally in the 21st century. This review aims to compare the environmental sustainability of existing sludge management schemes with a purpose of nutrient recovery and energy saving, respectively, and also to include the substitution benefits of alternative sludge products. Simultaneously, LCA research regarding the emerging sludge management technologies and sludge recycling (cement, adsorbent, bricks) is analyzed. Additionally, the key aspects of the LCA process are worth noting in the context of the current limitations reviewed here. It is worth emphasizing that no technical remediation method can reduce all environmental damage simultaneously, and these schemes are typically more applicable to the assumed local conditions. Future LCA research should pay more attention to the toxic effects of different sludge treatment methods, evaluate the technical ways of adding pretreatment technology to the 'front end' of the sludge treatment process, and further explore how to markedly reduce environmental damage in order to maximize energy and nutrient recovery from the LCA perspective.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- An Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment (SKLUWRE), School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, 73 Huanghe Road, Nangang District, 150090 Harbin, PR China.
| | - Rourou Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment (SKLUWRE), School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, 73 Huanghe Road, Nangang District, 150090 Harbin, PR China
| | - Huu Hao Ngo
- Faculty of Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, P.O. Box 123, Broadway, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Xu He
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment (SKLUWRE), School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, 73 Huanghe Road, Nangang District, 150090 Harbin, PR China
| | - Jun Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment (SKLUWRE), School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, 73 Huanghe Road, Nangang District, 150090 Harbin, PR China
| | - Jun Nan
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment (SKLUWRE), School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, 73 Huanghe Road, Nangang District, 150090 Harbin, PR China.
| | - Guibai Li
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment (SKLUWRE), School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, 73 Huanghe Road, Nangang District, 150090 Harbin, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Dhote L, Kumar S, Singh L, Kumar R. A systematic review on options for sustainable treatment and resource recovery of distillery sludge. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 263:128225. [PMID: 33297181 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.128225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/29/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Distillery sludge generated from the alcohol production plants is considered as a nuisance. It is one of the main sources of environmental pollution because of the presence of high amount of sulphate, phenolic compounds (500.3 ± 26.46 mg/kg), melanoidins, organic matter (14%) and heavy metals (like 18% Mn, 6% Ni and 4% Pb). Hence, advancement in the available techniques for managing this sludge is a prerequisite for its safe and sustainable disposal. The article delivers an assessment of the challenges involved in the treatment of distillery sludge, existing practices, disposal and possible routes for energy recovery. Considering the high nutritional and energy values of the distillery sludge, the associated limitations and challenges of the available sludge management options, it was aimed to highlight alternative methods of its treatment. The present review also compares the current distillery sludge management solutions concerning their environmental sustainability. The most widely used methods, including treatment and disposal techniques considering the current legislation in different countries, have also been dealt with. Furthermore, the study also deals with the resource recovery approaches in order to recover value-added products and available nutrients from distillery sludge. Resource and energy recovery options are therefore considered as sustainable solutions to fulfill the present and future energy requirement and visualize it as a potential opportunity instead of a nuisance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lekha Dhote
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 2010 02, India; CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI), Nehru Marg, Nagpur, 440 020, India
| | - Sunil Kumar
- CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI), Nehru Marg, Nagpur, 440 020, India.
| | - Lal Singh
- CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI), Nehru Marg, Nagpur, 440 020, India
| | - Rakesh Kumar
- CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI), Nehru Marg, Nagpur, 440 020, India
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Rashid SS, Liu YQ, Zhang C. Upgrading a large and centralised municipal wastewater treatment plant with sequencing batch reactor technology for integrated nutrient removal and phosphorus recovery: Environmental and economic life cycle performance. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 749:141465. [PMID: 32827824 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.141465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/01/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Although nutrient removal and recovery from municipal wastewater are desirable to protect phosphorus resource and water-bodies from eutrophication, it is unclear how much environmental and economic benefits and burdens it might cause. This study evaluated the environmental and economic life cycle performance of three different upgraded Processes A, B and C with commercially available technologies for nutrient removal and phosphorus recovery based on an existing Malaysian wastewater treatment plant with a sequencing batch reactor technology and diluted municipal wastewater. It is found that the integration of nutrient removal, phosphorus recovery and electricity generation in all upgraded processes reduced eutrophication potential by 62-76%, and global warming potential by 7-22%, which, however, were gained at the cost of increases in human toxicity, acidification, abiotic depletion (fossil fuel) and freshwater ecotoxicity potentials by an average of 23%. New technologies for nutrient removal and phosphorus recovery are thus needed to achieve holistic rather than some environmental benefits at the expense of others. In addition, the study on two different functional units (FU), i.e. per m3 treated wastewater and per kg struvite recovered, shows that FU affected environmental assessment results, but the upgraded Process C had the least overall environmental burden with either of FUs, suggesting the necessity to use different functional units when comparing and selecting different technologies with two functions such as wastewater treatment and struvite production to confirm the best process configuration. The total life cycle costs of Processes A, B and C were 10.7%, 29.8% and 28.1%, respectively, higher than the existing process due to increased capital and operating costs. Therefore, a trade-off between environmental benefits and cost has to be balanced for technology selection or new integrated technologies have to be developed to achieve environmentally sustainable wastewater treatment economically.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Siti Safirah Rashid
- Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, United Kingdom
| | - Yong-Qiang Liu
- Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, United Kingdom.
| | - Chi Zhang
- Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Life Cycle Assessment of the Mesophilic, Thermophilic, and Temperature-Phased Anaerobic Digestion of Sewage Sludge. WATER 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/w12113140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
In this study the environmental impact of the anaerobic digestion (AD) of sewage sludge within an activated sludge wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) was investigated. Three alternative AD systems (mesophilic, thermophilic, and temperature-phased anaerobic digestion (TPAD)) were compared to determine which system may have the best environmental performance. Two life cycle assessments (LCA) were performed considering: (i) the whole WWTP (for a functional unit (FU) of 1 m3 of treated wastewater), and (ii) the sludge line (SL) alone (for FU of 1 m3 of produced methane). The data for the LCA were obtained from previous laboratory experimental work in combination with full-scale WWTP and literature. According to the results, the WWTP with TPAD outperforms those with mesophilic and thermophilic AD in most analyzed impact categories (i.e., Human toxicity, Ionizing radiation, Metal and Fossil depletion, Agricultural land occupation, Terrestrial acidification, Freshwater eutrophication, and Ozone depletion), except for Climate change where the WWTP with mesophilic AD performed better than with TPAD by 7%. In the case of the SL alone, the production of heat and electricity (here accounted for as avoided environmental impacts) led to credits in most of the analyzed impact categories except for Human toxicity where credits did not balance out the impacts caused by the wastewater treatment system. The best AD alternative was thermophilic concerning all environmental impact categories, besides Climate change and Human toxicity. Differences between both LCA results may be attributed to the FU.
Collapse
|
32
|
Corominas L, Byrne DM, Guest JS, Hospido A, Roux P, Shaw A, Short MD. The application of life cycle assessment (LCA) to wastewater treatment: A best practice guide and critical review. WATER RESEARCH 2020; 184:116058. [PMID: 32771688 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2020.116058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Revised: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/13/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Life cycle assessment (LCA) has been widely applied in the wastewater industry, but inconsistencies in assumptions and methods have made it difficult for researchers and practitioners to synthesize results from across studies. This paper presents a critical review of published LCAs related to municipal wastewater management with a focus on developing systematic guidance for researchers and practitioners to conduct LCA studies to inform planning, design, and optimization of wastewater management and infrastructure (wastewater treatment plants, WWTPs; collection and reuse systems; related treatment technologies and policies), and to support the development of new technologies to advance treatment objectives and the sustainability of wastewater management. The paper guides the reader step by step through LCA methodology to make informed decisions on i) the definition of the goal and scope, ii) the selection of the functional unit and system boundaries, iii) the selection of variables to include and their sources to obtain inventories, iv) the selection of impact assessment methods, and v) the selection of an effective approach for data interpretation and communication to decision-makers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lluís Corominas
- Catalan Institute for Water Research (ICRA), Emili Grahit 101, 17003, Girona, Spain; Universitat de Girona, Girona, Spain.
| | - Diana M Byrne
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of Kentucky, 161 Raymond Building, Lexington, KY, 40506, United States
| | - Jeremy S Guest
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2331 Newmark Civil Engineering Laboratory, 205 N. Mathews Avenue, Urbana, IL, 61801, United States
| | - Almudena Hospido
- CRETUS Institute, Department of Chemical Engineering, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Spain, Rúa Lope Gómez de Marzoa, S/n., 15782, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Philippe Roux
- ITAP, Univ Montpellier, Irstea, Montpellier SupAgro, ELSA Research Group and ELSA-PACT Industrial Chair, Montpellier, France
| | - Andrew Shaw
- Black & Veatch, 4400 Post Oak Parkway, Suite 1200, Houston, TX, 77027, USA
| | - Michael D Short
- Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes, South Australia, 5095, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Li B, Dinkler K, Zhao N, Sobhi M, Merkle W, Liu S, Dong R, Oechsner H, Guo J. Influence of anaerobic digestion on the labile phosphorus in pig, chicken, and dairy manure. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 737:140234. [PMID: 32783845 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.140234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Revised: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/13/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Phosphorus (P) loss from livestock and poultry industry causes serious threat to agro-ecological environments. Anaerobic digestion (AD), through recycling of P-containing resources and biogas production, prevails as a promising solution to the resource, energy, and environment trilemma. In this study, the dynamic transformation of P in batch AD processes fed with chicken, pig and dairy manures was investigated. Results showed that the Labile-P of total phosphorus (TP) in pig, chicken and dairy manure digestates decreased from 37.35% to 23.79%, 36.79% to 17.29%, and 60.47% to 20.39%, respectively, and was associated with an increase of NaOH-P during the AD process. However, the Labile-P in raw manures ranging from 64.67% to 81.10%, indicated that AD could reduce the pollution risk caused by the overuse of high Labile-P animal manure as fertilizer. Metal ions had a significant influence on P transformation because of their ability to combine with PO43-/HPO42-. During AD, the species of phosphates increased: AlPO4, FePO4, Mg3(PO4)2, CaHPO4, Mg(NH4)PO4·6H2O and Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2 were the main phosphates qualified by X-ray diffraction (XRD). AD produced a satisfactory fertilizer for plants that were able to activate the precipitated P, which could provide readily available N and slow-release P. This study provides a meaningful theoretical guide for recycling P from animal manure resources.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bowen Li
- Key Laboratory of Clean Utilization Technology for Renewable Energy, Ministry of Agriculture, Department of Agricultural Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, People's Republic of China; The State Institute of Agricultural Engineering and Bioenergy, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart 70593, Germany
| | - Konstantin Dinkler
- Key Laboratory of Clean Utilization Technology for Renewable Energy, Ministry of Agriculture, Department of Agricultural Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, People's Republic of China; The State Institute of Agricultural Engineering and Bioenergy, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart 70593, Germany
| | - Nan Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Clean Utilization Technology for Renewable Energy, Ministry of Agriculture, Department of Agricultural Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, People's Republic of China
| | - Mostafa Sobhi
- Key Laboratory of Clean Utilization Technology for Renewable Energy, Ministry of Agriculture, Department of Agricultural Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, People's Republic of China
| | - Wolfgang Merkle
- The State Institute of Agricultural Engineering and Bioenergy, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart 70593, Germany
| | - Shan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Clean Utilization Technology for Renewable Energy, Ministry of Agriculture, Department of Agricultural Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Technology and Model for Cyclic Utilization from Agricultural Resources, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural, Beijing 100125, People's Republic of China
| | - Renjie Dong
- Key Laboratory of Clean Utilization Technology for Renewable Energy, Ministry of Agriculture, Department of Agricultural Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, People's Republic of China
| | - Hans Oechsner
- The State Institute of Agricultural Engineering and Bioenergy, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart 70593, Germany
| | - Jianbin Guo
- Key Laboratory of Clean Utilization Technology for Renewable Energy, Ministry of Agriculture, Department of Agricultural Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Nika CE, Gusmaroli L, Ghafourian M, Atanasova N, Buttiglieri G, Katsou E. Nature-based solutions as enablers of circularity in water systems: A review on assessment methodologies, tools and indicators. WATER RESEARCH 2020; 183:115988. [PMID: 32683049 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2020.115988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Water has been pushed into a linear model, which is increasingly acknowledged of causing cumulative emissions of pollutants, waste stocks, and impacting on the irreversible deterioration of water and other resources. Moving towards a circular model in the water sector, the configuration of future water infrastructure changes through the integration of grey and green infrastructure, forming Nature-based Solutions (NBS) as an integral component that connects human-managed to nature-managed water systems. In this study, a thorough appraisal of the latest literature is conducted, providing an overview of the existing tools, methodologies and indicators that have been used to assess NBS for water management, as well as complete water systems considering the need of assessing both anthropogenic and natural elements. Furthermore, facilitators and barriers with respect to existing policies and regulations on NBS and circularity have been identified. The study concludes that the co-benefits of NBS for water management are not adequately assessed. A holistic methodology assessing complete water systems from a circularity perspective is still needed integrating existing tools (i.e. hydro-biogeochemical models), methods (i.e. MFA-based and LCA) and incorporating existing and/or newly-developed indicators.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C E Nika
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Institute of Environment, Health and Societies, Brunel University London, Uxbridge Campus, Middlesex, UB8 3PH, Uxbridge, UK
| | - L Gusmaroli
- Catalan Institute for Water Research (ICRA), Emili Grahit 101, 17003 Girona, Spain; Universitat de Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - M Ghafourian
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Institute of Environment, Health and Societies, Brunel University London, Uxbridge Campus, Middlesex, UB8 3PH, Uxbridge, UK
| | - N Atanasova
- Faculty of Civic and Geodetic Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Hajdrihova 28, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - G Buttiglieri
- Catalan Institute for Water Research (ICRA), Emili Grahit 101, 17003 Girona, Spain; Universitat de Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - E Katsou
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Institute of Environment, Health and Societies, Brunel University London, Uxbridge Campus, Middlesex, UB8 3PH, Uxbridge, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Reviewing ISO Compliant Multifunctionality Practices in Environmental Life Cycle Modeling. ENERGIES 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/en13143579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The standard ISO 14044:2006 defines the hierarchical steps to follow when solving multifunctionality issues in life cycle assessment (LCA). However, the practical implementation of such a hierarchy has been debated for twenty-five years leading to different implementation practices from LCA practitioners. The first part of this study discussed the main steps where the ISO hierarchy has been implemented differently and explored current multifunctionality practices in peer-reviewed studies. A text-mining process was applied to quantitatively assess such practices in the 532 multifunctional case studies found in the literature. In the second part of the study, citation network analysis (CNA) was used to identify the major publications that influenced the development of the multifunctionality-debate in LCA, i.e., the key-route main path. The identified publications were then reviewed to detect the origins of the different practices and their underlying theories. Based on these insights, this study provided some “food for thought” on current practices to move towards consistent methodology. We believe that such an advancement is urgently needed for better positioning LCA as a tool for sustainability decision-making. In particular, consistent allocation practices could be especially beneficial in bioeconomy sectors, where production processes are usually multifunctional, and where current allocation practices are not harmonized yet.
Collapse
|
36
|
Castro JDS, Calijuri ML, Ferreira J, Assemany PP, Ribeiro VJ. Microalgae based biofertilizer: A life cycle approach. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 724:138138. [PMID: 32268288 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.138138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Revised: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/21/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Waste, especially biomass in general, is a large reservoir of nutrients that can be recovered through different technologies and used to produce biofertilizers. In the present study, environmental impacts of the production of microalgae biomass-based phosphate biofertilizer compared to triple superphosphate through life-cycle assessment conducted in the Simapro® software were investigated. The functional unit of the analysis was 163 g of P for both fertilizers. Phosphorus was recovered from a meat processing industry effluent in a high-rate algal pond. Impacts related to the entire biofertilizer chain impacted mainly on climate changes (3.17 kg CO2eq). Microalgae biofertilizer had higher environmental impact than conventional fertilizer in all impact categories, highlighting climate change and terrestrial ecotoxicity. An ideal scenario was created considering that: all energy used comes from photovoltaic panels; in the separation step a physical method will be used, without energy expenditure (i.e. gravimetric sedimentation) and; biomass will be dried in a drying bed instead of the thermal drying. In this scenario, the impact of biofertilizer approached considerably those of triple superphosphate. When impacts of biomass cultivation and concentration stages were disregarded, drying step was of great relevance, contributing to increase biofertilizer impacts. More research is needed to optimize the algae production chain and determine the possibility of obtaining higher added value products more environmental attractive.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jackeline de Siqueira Castro
- Department of Civil Engineering, Federal University of Viçosa, Av. Peter Henry Rolfs, s/n, Campus da Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais 36570-900, Brazil.
| | - Maria Lúcia Calijuri
- Department of Civil Engineering, Federal University of Viçosa, Av. Peter Henry Rolfs, s/n, Campus da Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais 36570-900, Brazil
| | - Jessica Ferreira
- Department of Civil Engineering, Federal University of Viçosa, Av. Peter Henry Rolfs, s/n, Campus da Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais 36570-900, Brazil
| | - Paula Peixoto Assemany
- Department of Water Resources and Sanitation, Federal University of Lavras, Campus Universitário, 37200-900 Lavras, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Vinícius José Ribeiro
- Department of Civil Engineering, Federal University of Viçosa, Av. Peter Henry Rolfs, s/n, Campus da Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais 36570-900, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Wang Z, Hartmann TE, Wang X, Cui Z, Hou Y, Meng F, Yu X, Wu J, Zhang F. Phosphorus flow analysis in the maize based food-feed-energy systems in China. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 184:109319. [PMID: 32151842 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.109319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Revised: 02/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Phosphorus (P) is an essential and limiting nutrient for agricultural systems, where the demand for agricultural products such as food, feed, and bio-fuel are the major drivers of the intensification of agricultural production systems. Globally, maize is one of three main cereal crops, a main feedstock for animal production and a substrate for the production of bio-ethanol. This study investigated P flows through the multiple utilization systems of maize (as represented by the subsystems of food, feed and energy production) at a crop level of 2016 as reference year and made future predictions of P flows for the year 2030 based on different scenarios for food-feed-energy systems in China. For 2016, the subsystem of animal production resulted in the highest waste of P due to inappropriate manure management, but the subsystem of value-added products (Bio-fuel production, distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS), maize-oil) showed the lowest P use efficiency (39%). From the value-added subsystem, 17% of P from the process flow to the subsystem of animal production as DDGS, and 61% of P is wasted associated with wastewater and sludge. Future scenarios of structural adjustments in the maize consumption system predict that the supply of maize for animal feed will be threatened if the policy of the Biofuel National Promotion before 2020 is fully implemented in China, as current maize production will not meet the future demand of food, feed and energy simultaneously. The results emphasized the use of P waste resources and better sludge management from a systems perspective. This also implied the importance of exploring coordinated development and integrated strategies for sustainable P flow management in multiple utilization systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zihan Wang
- College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, PR China
| | | | - Xiuheng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150090, PR China
| | - Zhenling Cui
- College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, PR China
| | - Yong Hou
- College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, PR China
| | - Fanlei Meng
- College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, PR China
| | - Xingchen Yu
- College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, PR China
| | - Jiechen Wu
- College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, PR China; Urban Water Engineering, Department of Civil, Environmental and Natural Resources Engineering, Luleå University of Technology, 971 87, Luleå, Sweden.
| | - Fusuo Zhang
- College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Lam KL, Zlatanović L, van der Hoek JP. Life cycle assessment of nutrient recycling from wastewater: A critical review. WATER RESEARCH 2020; 173:115519. [PMID: 32006809 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2020.115519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Revised: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/17/2020] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Recovering resources from wastewater systems is increasingly being emphasised. Many technologies exist or are under development for recycling nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus from wastewater to agriculture. Planning and design methodologies are needed to identify and deploy the most sustainable solutions in given contexts. For the environmental sustainability dimension, life cycle assessment (LCA) can be used to assess environmental impact potentials of wastewater-based nutrient recycling alternatives, especially nitrogen and phosphorus recycling. This review aims to evaluate how well the LCA methodology has been adapted and applied for assessing opportunities of wastewater-based nutrient recycling in the form of monomineral, multimineral, nutrient solution and organic solid. We reviewed 65 LCA studies that considered nutrient recycling from wastewater for agricultural land application. We synthesised some of their insights and methodological practices, and discussed the future outlook of using LCA for wastewater-based nutrient recycling. In general, more studies suggested positive environmental outcomes from wastewater-based nutrient recycling, especially when chemical inputs are minimised, and source separation of human excreta is achieved. The review shows the need to improve methodological consistency (e.g., multifunctionality, fertiliser offset accounting, contaminant accounting), ensure transparency of inventory and methods, consider uncertainty in comparative LCA context, integrate up-to-date cross-disciplinary knowledge (e.g., agriculture science, soil science) into LCA models, and consider the localised impacts of recycled nutrient products. Many opportunities exist for applying LCA at various scales to support decisions on wastewater-based nutrient recycling - for instance, performing "product perspective" LCA on recycled nutrient products, integrating "process perspective" LCA with other systems approaches for selecting and optimising individual recovery processes, assessing emerging nutrient recovery technologies and integrated resource recovery systems, and conducting systems analysis at city, national and global level.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ka Leung Lam
- Department of Water Management, Delft University of Technology, Stevinweg 1, 2628 CN, Delft, the Netherlands.
| | - Ljiljana Zlatanović
- Department of Water Management, Delft University of Technology, Stevinweg 1, 2628 CN, Delft, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Institute for Advanced Metropolitan Solutions, Kattenburgerstraat 5, 1018 JA, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jan Peter van der Hoek
- Department of Water Management, Delft University of Technology, Stevinweg 1, 2628 CN, Delft, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Institute for Advanced Metropolitan Solutions, Kattenburgerstraat 5, 1018 JA, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Waternet, Korte Ouderkerkerdijk 7, 1096 AC, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Pradel M, Lippi M, Daumer ML, Aissani L. Environmental performances of production and land application of sludge-based phosphate fertilizers-a life cycle assessment case study. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 27:2054-2070. [PMID: 31773534 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-06910-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Phosphorus (P) is a non-renewable resource extracted from phosphate rock to produce agricultural fertilizers. Since P is essential for life, it is important to preserve this resource and explore alternative sources of P to reduce its criticality. This study aimed to assess whether fertilizing with sludge-based phosphate fertilizers (SBPF) can be a suitable alternative to doing so with fertilizers produced from phosphate rock. Environmental impacts of production and land application of SBPF from four recovery processes were compared to those of two reference scenarios: triple super phosphate (TSP) and sewage sludge. To avoid bias when comparing scenarios, part of the environmental burden of wastewater treatment is allocated to sludge production. The CML-IA method was used to perform life cycle impact assessment. Results highlighted that production and land application of SBPF had higher environmental impacts than those of TSP due to the large amounts of energy and reactants needed to recover P, especially when sludge had a low P concentration. Certain environmental impacts of production and land application of sewage sludge were similar to those of SBPF. Sensitivity analysis conducted for cropping systems highlighted variability in potential application rates of sewage sludge or SBPF. Finally, because they contain lower contents of heavy metals than sewage sludge or TSP, SBPF are of great interest, but they require more mineral fertilizers to supplement their fertilization than sewage sludge. Thus, SBPF have advantages and disadvantages that need to be considered, since they may influence their use within fertilization practices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marilys Pradel
- Irstea, Université Clermont Auvergne, UR TSCF, Centre de Clermont-Ferrand, 40 route de Chazeuil, Domaine des Palaquins, F-03150, Montoldre, France.
| | - Mathilde Lippi
- Irstea, Université Clermont Auvergne, UR TSCF, Centre de Clermont-Ferrand, 40 route de Chazeuil, Domaine des Palaquins, F-03150, Montoldre, France
| | - Marie-Line Daumer
- Irstea, UR OPAALE, 17 avenue de Cucillé, CS 64427, 35044, Rennes Cedex, France
- Université Bretagne Loire, Rennes, France
| | - Lynda Aissani
- Irstea, UR OPAALE, 17 avenue de Cucillé, CS 64427, 35044, Rennes Cedex, France
- Université Bretagne Loire, Rennes, France
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Du C, Hu Y, Han H, Sun W, Hou P, Liu R, Wang L, Yang Y, Liu R, Sun L, Yue T. Magnetic separation of phosphate contaminants from starch wastewater using magnetic seeding. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 695:133723. [PMID: 31425986 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.133723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2019] [Revised: 07/28/2019] [Accepted: 08/01/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Traditional chemical precipitation of phosphates from wastewater is somewhat inefficient because it produces some ultrafine hydroxyapatite particles that are difficult to settle. In this study, magnetic seeds with a core-shell structure were prepared by sulfation roasting for magnetic flocculation of those fine particles. Zeta potential measurements show that the hydroxyapatite particles are positively charged at pH 10, whereas the magnetic seeds are negatively charged. The Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek calculation indicates that the van der Waals force between the magnetic seeds and hydroxyapatite particles is always attractive. Moreover, the electrostatic attraction also contributes to aggregation of the magnetic seeds and hydroxyapatite particles. Orthogonal experiments show that the main factor affecting the magnetic flocculation is the dosage of magnetic seeds, and polymeric ferric sulfate also plays an important role. Under the optimal magnetic flocculation experimental conditions, the turbidity of wastewater after magnetic separation was only 16.388 NTU, contributing to the removal of phosphate contaminants. Therefore, magnetic flocculation and magnetic separation may provide an alternative solution for efficient purification of phosphate-containing wastewater.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chunjie Du
- School of Minerals Processing and Bioengineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China; Key Laboratory of Hunan Province for Clean and Efficient Utilization of Strategic Calcium-containing Mineral Resources, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
| | - Yuehua Hu
- School of Minerals Processing and Bioengineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China; Key Laboratory of Hunan Province for Clean and Efficient Utilization of Strategic Calcium-containing Mineral Resources, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
| | - Haisheng Han
- School of Minerals Processing and Bioengineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China; Key Laboratory of Hunan Province for Clean and Efficient Utilization of Strategic Calcium-containing Mineral Resources, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China.
| | - Wei Sun
- School of Minerals Processing and Bioengineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China; Key Laboratory of Hunan Province for Clean and Efficient Utilization of Strategic Calcium-containing Mineral Resources, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China.
| | - Panpan Hou
- School of Minerals Processing and Bioengineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China; Key Laboratory of Hunan Province for Clean and Efficient Utilization of Strategic Calcium-containing Mineral Resources, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
| | - Runqing Liu
- School of Minerals Processing and Bioengineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China; Key Laboratory of Hunan Province for Clean and Efficient Utilization of Strategic Calcium-containing Mineral Resources, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
| | - Li Wang
- School of Minerals Processing and Bioengineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China; Key Laboratory of Hunan Province for Clean and Efficient Utilization of Strategic Calcium-containing Mineral Resources, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
| | - Yue Yang
- School of Minerals Processing and Bioengineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China; Key Laboratory of Hunan Province for Clean and Efficient Utilization of Strategic Calcium-containing Mineral Resources, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
| | - Ruohua Liu
- School of Minerals Processing and Bioengineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China; Key Laboratory of Hunan Province for Clean and Efficient Utilization of Strategic Calcium-containing Mineral Resources, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
| | - Lei Sun
- School of Minerals Processing and Bioengineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China; Key Laboratory of Hunan Province for Clean and Efficient Utilization of Strategic Calcium-containing Mineral Resources, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
| | - Tong Yue
- School of Minerals Processing and Bioengineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China; Key Laboratory of Hunan Province for Clean and Efficient Utilization of Strategic Calcium-containing Mineral Resources, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Sobhi M, Guo J, Cui X, Sun H, Li B, Aboagye D, Shah GM, Dong R. A promising strategy for nutrient recovery using heterotrophic indigenous microflora from liquid biogas digestate. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 690:492-501. [PMID: 31301490 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.06.487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2019] [Revised: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 06/28/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Nutrient overloading resulting from digestate (effluent of anaerobic digestion process) application has become a major bottleneck for the development of the biogas industry and raised environmental concerns in regions with intensive animal husbandry. Due to this, it is imperative to find low cost and effective alternative to export nutrient from digestate. Among the numerous applications, indigenous microflora has recently been utilized successfully as a biofloc technology in aquatic systems for controlling ammonia and subsequent reduction of feeding cost. Accordingly, performance of the indigenous microflora in undiluted liquid digestate of chicken manure was evaluated in this study to recover nutrients and produce high-value biomass under aerobic heterotrophic mode in batch shaking experiments. The results showed that 68% of phosphate was recovered and 97% of total nitrogen was removed from the liquid digestate. Additionally, >6 g L-1 of dry biomass was simultaneously produced and featured with up to 65% crude protein without pathogens, 10.9% lipids, 10.7% ash and 19.6 MJ kg-1 gross energy. Therefore, the produced biomass could be used either as an alternative sustainable source for animal or fish feeding or as a substrate for energy applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mostafa Sobhi
- College of Engineering (Key Laboratory for Clean Renewable Energy Utilization Technology, Ministry of Agriculture), China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, PR China
| | - Jianbin Guo
- College of Engineering (Key Laboratory for Clean Renewable Energy Utilization Technology, Ministry of Agriculture), China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, PR China.
| | - Xian Cui
- College of Engineering (Key Laboratory for Clean Renewable Energy Utilization Technology, Ministry of Agriculture), China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, PR China
| | - Hui Sun
- College of Engineering (Key Laboratory for Clean Renewable Energy Utilization Technology, Ministry of Agriculture), China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, PR China
| | - Bowen Li
- College of Engineering (Key Laboratory for Clean Renewable Energy Utilization Technology, Ministry of Agriculture), China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, PR China
| | - Dominic Aboagye
- College of Engineering (Key Laboratory for Clean Renewable Energy Utilization Technology, Ministry of Agriculture), China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, PR China
| | - Ghulam Mustafa Shah
- Department of Environmental Sciences, COMSATS University Islamabad, Vehari Campus, Vehari, 61100, Pakistan
| | - Renjie Dong
- College of Engineering (Key Laboratory for Clean Renewable Energy Utilization Technology, Ministry of Agriculture), China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, PR China; Yantai Institute, China Agricultural University, Yantai 264032, Shandong, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Chrispim MC, Scholz M, Nolasco MA. Phosphorus recovery from municipal wastewater treatment: Critical review of challenges and opportunities for developing countries. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2019; 248:109268. [PMID: 31325790 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2019.109268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2019] [Revised: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 07/11/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this paper is to provide guidance in selecting phosphorus recovery options within the municipal wastewater treatment sector regarding developing countries. This critical review includes a brief contextualization of the resource-oriented sanitation paradigm, the discussion of processes for phosphorus recovery based on methods at full-scale, pilot-scale and laboratory-scale, and a concise discussion of the environmental impacts and benefits associated with phosphorus recovery strategies. Finally, the main challenges related to the implementation of resource recovery strategies, especially for phosphorous, were identified and discussed. According to the results, some of the main drivers for phosphorus recovery are the limited availability of phosphorus, increasing cost of phosphate fertilizers and reduction of maintenance costs. Currently, most of the operational processes are based on crystallization or precipitation from the digester supernatant. Struvite is the most common recovered product. The recovery rate of phosphorus from the liquid phase is lower (10-60% from wastewater treatment plant influent), than from sludge (35-70%) and from sludge ashes (70-98%). Phosphorus recovery remains challenging, and some barriers identified were the integration between stakeholders and institutions, public policies and regulations as well as public acceptance and economic feasibility. In developing countries, the implementation of nutrient recovery systems is challenging, because the main concern is on the expansion of sanitation coverage. Resource recovery approaches can provide benefits beyond the wastewater treatment sector, not only improving the sustainability of wastewater treatment operations, but generating revenue for the utility provider.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Cardoso Chrispim
- Division of Water Resources Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Lund University, P.O. Box 118, 22100, Lund, Sweden; Sustainability Graduate Program, School of Arts, Sciences and Humanities of University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Miklas Scholz
- Division of Water Resources Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Lund University, P.O. Box 118, 22100, Lund, Sweden; Department of Civil Engineering Science, School of Civil Engineering and the Built Environment, University of Johannesburg, Kingsway Campus, PO Box 524, Aukland Park, 2006, Johannesburg, South Africa; Civil Engineering Research Group, School of Science, Engineering and Environment, The University of Salford, Newton Building, Peel Park Campus, Salford, M5 4WT, UK.
| | - Marcelo Antunes Nolasco
- Sustainability Graduate Program, School of Arts, Sciences and Humanities of University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|