Sustainable Sewage Sludge Management: From Current Practices to Emerging Nutrient Recovery Technologies
Open Access
- 20 June 2019
- journal article
- research article
- Published by MDPI AG in Sustainability
- Vol. 11 (12), 3435
- https://doi.org/10.3390/su11123435
Abstract
Nutrient recovery from secondary resources, such as wastewater, has received increasing attention in recent years. Nutrient cycle sustainability and recycling approaches are important measures under development and considerations. This paper aims to present an overview of routes and technologies for nutrient recovery from sewage sludge and measures for improving their sustainability. First, current routes for nutrient recovery from sewage sludge are briefly reviewed. Next, an overview of commercial nutrient recovery technologies, projects, and emerging techniques around the world with the key factors for a successful phosphorus recovery technology is presented. Finally, a proposal for improving the sustainability of these practices is presented. It is concluded that the gap between demand and supply can be a major driver for the shift from ‘removal and treat’ to ‘recovery and reuse’. Moreover, there is not, and will never be, a one-size-fits-all solution. Future strategies and roadmaps need to be adapted to the local economy and geographical context more than ever.Keywords
Funding Information
- Norges Forskningsråd (90040107)
This publication has 17 references indexed in Scilit:
- Outdoor pilot trial integrating a sidestream microalgae process for the treatment of centrate under non optimal climate conditionsAlgal Research, 2019
- Engineering of struvite crystals by regulating supersaturation – Correlation with phosphorus recovery, crystal morphology and process efficiencyJournal of Environmental Chemical Engineering, 2019
- Nitrogen Recovery from Wastewater: Possibilities, Competition with Other Resources, and Adaptation PathwaysSustainability, 2018
- Factors Affecting the Growth of Microalgae on Blackwater from Biosolid DewateringWater, Air, & Soil Pollution, 2017
- Phosphorus recovery and recycling with ecological engineering: A reviewEcological Engineering, 2017
- Phosphorus flows and balances of the European Union Member StatesScience of The Total Environment, 2016
- Modeling Nutrient Flows in the Food Chain of ChinaJournal of Environmental Quality, 2010
- Phosphorus recovery from wastewater: needs, technologies and costsWater Science & Technology, 2009
- The Changing Metabolism of CitiesJournal of Industrial Ecology, 2007
- Agricultural sustainability and intensive production practicesNature, 2002