1
|
Arosemena Polo JD, Toboso-Chavero S, Adhikari B, Villalba G. Closing the nutrient cycle in urban areas: The use of municipal solid waste in peri-urban and urban agriculture. WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2024; 183:220-231. [PMID: 38761486 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2024.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
Cities face the challenges of supplying food and managing organic municipal solid waste (OMSW) sustainably amid increasing urbanization rates. Urban agriculture (UA) can help with this effort by producing local crops that are fertilized with nutrients recovered from compost generated from OMSW. This research aims to determine the potential of OMSW compost to supply the nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium (NPK) demand of UA and the environmental benefits of replacing mineral fertilizer from a life cycle perspective. The Metropolitan Area of Barcelona (AMB) serves as the case study given its commitment to reuse biowaste according to the Revised Waste Framework Directive and to promote UA as a signing member of the Milan Urban Food Policy Pact. Based on crop requirements and farmer surveys, we find that the annual NPK demands of the agricultural fields of the AMB that cover 5,500 ha and produce 70,000 tons of crops are approximately 769, 113, and 592 tons of NPK, respectively. Spatial material flow analysis and life cycle assessment were applied to found that the current waste management system can potentially substitute 8 % of the total NPK demanded by UA with compost, reduce the impacts by up to 39 % and yield savings in global warming of 130 %. The more ambitious future scenario of 2025 can potentially substitute 21 % of the total NPK demand and reduce environmental impacts up to 1,049 %, depending on the category considered. Avoiding processing of mixed OMSW, mineral fertilizer replacement and cogeneration of electricity from biogas are the major contributors to these environmental savings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juan David Arosemena Polo
- Sostenipra Research Group (SGR 01412), Institut de Ciència i Tecnologia Ambientals (ICTA-UAB) (MDM-2015-0552), Z Building, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Campus UAB, 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Susana Toboso-Chavero
- Sostenipra Research Group (SGR 01412), Institut de Ciència i Tecnologia Ambientals (ICTA-UAB) (MDM-2015-0552), Z Building, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Campus UAB, 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain; Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Integral Design and Management, Department of Materials, Mechanics, Management & Design, Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Biraj Adhikari
- Practical Action Consulting Asia, 44600 Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Gara Villalba
- Sostenipra Research Group (SGR 01412), Institut de Ciència i Tecnologia Ambientals (ICTA-UAB) (MDM-2015-0552), Z Building, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Campus UAB, 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Chemical, Biological and Environmental Engineering, XRB, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Campus UAB, 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Alves D, Villar I, Mato S. Community composting strategies for biowaste treatment: methodology, bulking agent and compost quality. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:9873-9885. [PMID: 36820966 PMCID: PMC10850185 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-25564-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The European Union's commitment to increase recycling and recovery rates of municipal solid waste requires significant changes in current waste management. Local governments are developing various strategies for treating the organic fraction of municipal waste (biowaste) via composting. Community composting centres (CCC), green waste collection, treatment points and community gardens are some of these new approaches. Population density and spatial distribution, together with the existence of community green areas, determine the location of the various infrastructures for recycling local biowaste. The composting process consumes high amounts of bulking agent (BA) necessary to provide the structure that allows, amongst other uses, biowaste aeration and microbial surface colonisation. Shredded green waste from parks, gardens and households can be used as BA in community composting and home composting. In this study, a total of 46 compost samples obtained from CCC with two types of handling were analysed: 22 samples treated by vertical flow (VF) and 24 samples treated by horizontal flow (HF). The HF model allowed better use of the volume of modular composting units and the VF model required less effort and time for the CCC operator. Mature, stable and high-nutrient-content composts were obtained with both models. These composts met the legal requirements to be used as an organic amendment, and they can be delivered to the participants or used in community gardens in the municipality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Alves
- Environmental Biology Group, Universidade de Vigo, 36310, Vigo, Spain
| | - Iria Villar
- Environmental Biology Group, Universidade de Vigo, 36310, Vigo, Spain.
| | - Salustiano Mato
- Environmental Biology Group, Universidade de Vigo, 36310, Vigo, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Rao JN, Parsai T. A comprehensive review on the decentralized composting systems for household biodegradable waste management. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 345:118824. [PMID: 37696186 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.118824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
Municipal solid waste primarily consists of household biodegradable waste (HBW). HBW treatment is a crucial step in many countries due to rapid urbanization. Composting is an effective technique to treat HBW. However, conventional composting systems are unable to produce matured compost (MC), as well as releasing huge amounts of greenhouse and odorous gases. Therefore, this review attempts to suggest suitable composting system to manage HBW, role of additives and bulking agents in composting process, identify knowledge gaps and recommend future research directions. Centralized composting systems are unable to produce MC due to improper sorting and inadequate aeration for composting substrate. Recently, decentralized compost systems (DCS) are becoming more popular due to effective solid waste reduction at the household and/or community level itself, thereby reducing the burden on municipalities. Solid waste sorting and aeration for the composting substrate is easy at DCS, thereby producing MC. However, Mono-composting of HBW in DCS leads to production of immature compost and release greenhouse and odorous gases due to lower free air space and carbon-to-nitrogen ratios, and higher moisture content. Mixing HBW with additives and bulking agents in DCS resulted in a proper initial substrate for composting, allowing rapid degradation of substrate due to longer duration of thermophilic phase and produce MC within a shorter duration. However, people have lack of awareness about solid waste management is the biggest challenge. More studies are needed to eliminate greenhouse and odorous gases emissions by mixing different combinations of bulking agents and additives (mainly microbial additives) to HBW in DCS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jakki Narasimha Rao
- Research scholar, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi, Kamand, Himachal Pradesh, 175005, India.
| | - Tanushree Parsai
- Assistant professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600036, India.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Souza LCGDE, Drumond MA. Decentralized composting: gated communities as ecologically promising environments. AN ACAD BRAS CIENC 2023; 95:e20230046. [PMID: 37851749 DOI: 10.1590/0001-3765202320230046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The global need to strengthen circular economic chains highlights the importance of composting, since the organic fraction corresponds, on average, to 50% of the municipal solid waste. As centralized composting programs have been showing slow advances, especially in low and middle-income countries, the decentralized scale is a promising tool. Gated communities stand out as potential targets for decentralized composting programs, as they generally have organization, tools, employees, space, and a high density of gardens. This study detected, through online questionnaires sent to residents of gated communities, a high probability of adherence to composting programs in the condominium, predisposition for waste sorting, use of the compost, and participation in meetings to address the issue, in addition to a relevant potential for reducing the disposal of organic waste in landfills. On the other hand, the absence of leaders, lack of knowledge about community projects and fear of unpleasant odors and pests were evidenced. Among 106 respondents, residents of 25 condominiums, no variability was detected between positions of different genders, ages, and education. This diagnosis points out challenges and suggests alternatives to overcome them, based on successful experiences, focused on strengthening leadership, technical training, provision of equipment, improvements in communication and socio-environmental awareness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luísa C G DE Souza
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, Laboratório de Sistemas Socioecológicos, Av. Pres. Antônio Carlos, 6627, Pampulha, 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Maria Auxiliadora Drumond
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, Laboratório de Sistemas Socioecológicos, Av. Pres. Antônio Carlos, 6627, Pampulha, 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Guillaume A, Appels L, Kočí V. Life cycle assessment of municipal biowaste management - a Czech case study. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 339:117894. [PMID: 37058926 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.117894] [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: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
As part of coming targets to transition to a sustainable society and actively set a circular economy, one of the EU objectives is to decrease the amount of municipal solid waste and initiate the separation of its organic fraction, i.e., biowaste. Consequently, the question of how to best manage biowaste at the municipal level is of high importance, and previous research has shown the strong influence of local factors on the most sustainable treatment option. Life Cycle Assessment is a valuable tool for comparison of waste management impacts and was used to assess environmental impacts of the current biowaste management in Prague and give insight for improvements. Different scenarios were created regarding EU and Czech biowaste targets for separated collection. Results show the significant influence of the source of energy that is substituted. Consequently, in the current situation of an energy mix highly based on fossil fuels, incineration is the most sustainable option in most impact categories. However, community composting was found to have a better potential to reduce ecotoxicity and resource use of minerals and metals. Furthermore, it could supply a significant proportion of the minerals need of the region while increasing the autonomy of the Czech Republic regarding mineral fertilisers. To meet targets of EU directives for separated collection of biowaste, a combination of anaerobic digestion, to avoid use of fossil fuels, and composting, to increase circular economy, is most likely the best option. The outputs of this project would be of great significance for municipalities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aurore Guillaume
- Department of Product Ecology and Sustainability, University of Chemistry and Technology, Technická 5, Dejvice, 166 28, Prague, 6, Czech Republic; KU Leuven, Department of Chemical Engineering, Process and Environmental Technology Lab, Jan Pieter De Nayerlaan 5, B-2860, Sint-Katelijne-Waver, Belgium.
| | - Lise Appels
- KU Leuven, Department of Chemical Engineering, Process and Environmental Technology Lab, Jan Pieter De Nayerlaan 5, B-2860, Sint-Katelijne-Waver, Belgium
| | - Vladimír Kočí
- Department of Product Ecology and Sustainability, University of Chemistry and Technology, Technická 5, Dejvice, 166 28, Prague, 6, Czech Republic; Department of Design, Faculty of Architecture, Czech Technical University Prague, Thákurova 9, 166 34, Praha 6, Dejvice, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Peng XY, Wang SP, Chu XL, Sun ZY, Xia ZY, Xie CY, Gou M, Tang YQ. Valorizing kitchen waste to produce value-added fertilizer by thermophilic semi-continuous composting followed by static stacking: Performance and bacterial community succession analysis. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2023; 373:128732. [PMID: 36774986 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2023.128732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
To explore an effective decentralized kitchen waste (KW) treatment system, the performance and bacterial community succession of thermophilic semi-continuous composting (TSC) of KW followed by static stacking (SS) was studied. A daily feeding ratio of 10% ensured stable performance of TSC using an integrated automatic reactor; the efficiencies of organic matter degradation and seed germination index (GI) reached 80.88% and 78.51%, respectively. SS for seven days further promoted the quality of the compost by improving the GI to 91.58%. Alpha- and beta-diversity analyses revealed significant differences between the bacterial communities of TSC and SS. Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, Chloroflexi, Gemmatimonadetes, and Myxococcota were dominant during the TSC of KW, whereas the members of Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes responsible for product maturity rapidly proliferated during the subsequent SS and ultimately dominated the compost with Firmicutes and Actinobacteria. These results provide new perspectives for decentralized KW treatment using TSC for practical applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiang-Yu Peng
- College of Architecture and Environment, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, Sichuan, China
| | - Shi-Peng Wang
- College of Architecture and Environment, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiu-Lin Chu
- College of Architecture and Environment, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhao-Yong Sun
- College of Architecture and Environment, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, Sichuan, China.
| | - Zi-Yuan Xia
- College of Architecture and Environment, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, Sichuan, China
| | - Cai-Yun Xie
- College of Architecture and Environment, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, Sichuan, China
| | - Min Gou
- College of Architecture and Environment, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, Sichuan, China
| | - Yue-Qin Tang
- College of Architecture and Environment, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, Sichuan, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
The Potential Contribution of Decentralized Anaerobic Digestion towards Urban Biowaste Recovery Systems: A Scoping Review. SUSTAINABILITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/su132313435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The potential contribution of decentralized approaches in implementing biowaste recovery systems has attracted interest in urban policy making and scientific research. Although the scientific literature on the topic is rapidly increasing, it is still limited and scattered. A comprehensive overview of current scientific knowledge is thus needed to support future research on decentralized options for biowaste recovery systems. Anaerobic digestion (AD) is a mature biowaste treatment technology that recovers energy and nutrients, and can close urban resource loops. Through a scoping literature review, this paper investigated decentralized AD and its potential contribution in implementing urban biowaste recovery systems. We identified opportunities and challenges for planning of decentralized AD, and concluded that these mainly concern: (a) digestate management; (b) the potential for local circularity with product valorization in outlets such as urban agriculture; and (c) the development and application of decision support tools. The findings highlighted the need to enhance scientific evidence on the impact of decentralized AD in different urban contexts. Results from published studies were highly context-specific, making it difficult to draw general conclusions. This study can support the transition to integrated planning of AD and wider urban biowaste recovery systems. Such planning must include a comprehensive analysis of configuration approaches.
Collapse
|