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Sustainable Waste Management and Utilization

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A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Waste and Recycling".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2023) | Viewed by 20680

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Édgar Ricardo Oviedo-Ocaña

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Guest Editor

Civil Engineering School, Universidad Industrial de Santander, Bucaramanga 680002, Colombia
Interests: solid waste management; treatment and recycling of organic solid waste; composting and anaerobic digestion; greywater treatment and reuse; rainwater harvesting

Dr. Viviana Sanchez-Torres

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Chemical Engineering School, Universidad Industrial de Santander, Bucaramanga 680002, Colombia
Interests: valorization of agro-industrial wastes; bioremediation; biosurfactants; food science

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Solid waste management is a global challenge. Organic waste includes biowaste, agricultural waste, livestock waste, sludge from sewage-treatment plants, and green waste. Generally, these residues represent the largest fraction of the solid waste generated. Various technological options have been implemented for the treatment and recovery of waste. The traditional options used have included composting, anaerobic digestion, and vermicomposting, which are consistent with the principles of a circular economy. Recently, other options have emerged, such as solid-state fermentation, which generates value-added bioproducts with various applications. Among the products are biosurfactants, biopesticides, aromas, pigments, and bioflocculants. On the other hand, different technologies have been used for the recovery of other materials included in the solid waste stream (i.e., plastic, paper, metals, cardboard, and glass) that include recycling (recovery and transformation of materials) and thermal treatment technologies (e.g., incineration, pyrolysis, gasification) with energy recovery.

Sustainability is proud to present a Special Issue welcoming the submission of research papers and literature reviews on topics surrounding “Sustainable Waste Management and Utilization”. The Special Issue will focus on technologies which generate several products of added value with diverse applications (e.g., agriculture, industry, energy). Subtopics of the Special Issue include, but are not limited to, the following:

Novel applications of technologies to treat organic waste;
Technologies to recover recyclable materials;
Options for energy recovery from solid waste;
Uses and applications of bioproducts, recycled materials, and energy obtained from solid waste;
Economics and environmental impacts (LCC, LCA) of management technologies and use of products obtained.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Édgar Ricardo Oviedo-Ocaña
Dr. Viviana Sanchez-Torres
Guest Editors

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Keywords

recycling
valorization
composting
vermicomposting
anaerobic digestion
thermal treatment
bioproduct
circular economy
sustainable wastes management
product utilization

Published Papers (14 papers)

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Research

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18 pages, 2879 KiB

Open AccessArticle

BIM-Based Assessment of the Environmental Effects of Various End-of-Life Scenarios for Buildings

by Shuqiang Wang, Qingqing Wu and Jinping Yu

Sustainability 2024, 16(7), 2980; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16072980 - 3 Apr 2024

Viewed by 619

Abstract

Accurately and rationally quantifying the environmental impact of construction and demolition waste (CDW) management is paramount, especially the environmental impact of different waste disposals, and more effective policies should be implemented to manage CDW. However, previous research on CDW disposal has typically ignored the potential for energy recovery and focused on a single environmental impact category. Therefore, this study aims to develop a conceptual framework to assess the environmental impacts under different CDW management scenarios (including reuse, recycling, energy recovery, and landfill), quantifying the global warming potential and resource consumption impacts under different scenarios. This framework incorporates Building Information Modeling to accurately collect data for feedback to the Life Cycle Assessment. The results indicate that Scenario 3, which considers the circular economy strategy, efficiently reuses metals, plastics, glass, and wood, generates recycled aggregate from concrete and cement, recycles bricks and tiles, and uses the remaining waste for energy recovery. This CDW management scenario, which prioritizes reuse and recycling, is the most effective in mitigating carbon emissions, resulting in a reduction of 6.641 × 10⁵ kg CO₂ eq. Moreover, it significantly conserves resources and prevents the energy consumption of 4.601 × 10⁷ MJ. Among them, metal reuse saves 42.35% of resources, and plastic reuse saves 31.19% of resources. In addition, increasing the reuse rate and recovery rate can directly avoid carbon emissions and cumulative exergy consumption, effectively alleviating environmental issues. This study can provide new ideas for the treatment of CDW, which can provide a basis for the relevant government departments to formulate CDW management policies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Waste Management and Utilization)

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28 pages, 4036 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Underground Logistics Network Design for Large-Scale Municipal Solid Waste Collection: A Case Study of Nanjing, China

by Qing Liu, Yicun Chen, Wanjie Hu, Jianjun Dong, Bo Sun and Helan Cheng

Sustainability 2023, 15(23), 16392; https://doi.org/10.3390/su152316392 - 28 Nov 2023

Viewed by 976

Abstract

The challenges arising from the management of municipal solid waste (MSW) have a profound impact on the sustainable development of urban areas. As a sustainable solution, the transportation of MSW underground offers the potential to alleviate traffic congestion and reduce environmental pollution. In this study, we propose the implementation of a large-scale underground waste collection system (UWCS). To begin, a comprehensive operational process for the UWCS is designed based on an intelligent technology system, including facility operation, processing workflow, and technical parameters. Additionally, network planning methods for the UWCS are presented. A mixed-integer linear programming model is formulated with the objective of minimizing total cost. This model determines the optimal location and allocation of nodes within the network, as well as the pipeline layout and flow direction. Given the computational complexity, a hybrid optimization method, namely the genetic greedy algorithms and genetic variable neighborhood search algorithms (GGA-GVNS), is devised to obtain high-quality solutions for the model. Finally, to validate the efficacy of the proposed method, a simulation is conducted in the central city of Nanjing, China. The results demonstrate that the implementation of the UWCS network in Nanjing’s city center can yield an annual benefit of USD 5.99 million. Moreover, a sensitivity analysis reveals further MSW management-related insights and long-term planning strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Waste Management and Utilization)

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15 pages, 7940 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Modeling Analysis and Research on the Evaporation System of a Multisource Organic Solid Waste Incinerator

by Zixuan Feng, Xiaohui Zhuo, Zixue Luo and Qiang Cheng

Sustainability 2023, 15(23), 16375; https://doi.org/10.3390/su152316375 - 28 Nov 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 670

Abstract

The co-incineration of multisource organic solid waste has gradually become an important method for solid waste recycling. Through a combination of computational fluid dynamics simulation and field monitoring, a distributed parameter model of the evaporative heating surface of an incinerator was developed. The distributions of heat flux, wall temperature, and steam quality in the incinerator were analyzed under four combustion conditions involving solid waste from various sources, types, and proportions. The results revealed that under the two working conditions with 20% waste cloth, as the calorific value of the mixed fuel increased, both the peak heat flux and the peak wall temperature increased, and the nonuniformity of heat transfer within the furnace intensified. Under the influence of the composition and calorific value of the mixed fuel, the steam quality of the working fluid at the outlet of the rear water wall in the cases with 20% waste cloth was significantly higher than that in the case of pure municipal solid waste combustion and the case with 20% sludge. This study offers valuable insights into the resource utilization of multisource organic solid waste in co-incinerators. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Waste Management and Utilization)

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15 pages, 3387 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Sequential Extraction of Municipal Solid Waste Incineration Bottom Ash: Heavy Metals Mobility and Sustainable Application of Ashes

by Yingzun He and Monika Kasina

Sustainability 2023, 15(19), 14638; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151914638 - 9 Oct 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 984

Abstract

This manuscript focuses on the sustainable utilization of municipal waste incineration ashes in construction, taking into account their substantial concentration of beneficial elements and the potential environmental pollution caused by the leaching of toxic elements due to naturally occurring processes. To assess heavy metal mobility in ashes, a sequential extraction method based on the European Community Bureau of Reference (BCR) was applied. It enables the determination of heavy metal fractions and provides valuable insights into their potential environmental impact and bioavailability. More than 80% of Cd, and Zn, and over 75% of Cu, exhibited strong associations with the most mobile exchangeable fraction, while over 60% of Al and Fe were predominantly bound to reducible. The distribution of As and Cr was relatively balanced between exchangeable and oxidizable fractions, whereas 100% of Pb was exclusively associated with oxidizable fractions, indicating immobilization of this element in the ash. The calculated Risk Assessment Codes and Individual Contamination Factors indicated a quite high to very high risk level for the element’s mobility and environmental contamination. For elements like Pb, Cd, Cu, and Zn, higher concentrations in the samples are associated with higher overall environmental risk. For elements like As and Cr, higher concentrations in the samples are associated with lower overall environmental risk. Studied ash exhibits potential as a resource, but equally it demands rigorous environmental management to ensure responsible utilization. The observed metal mobilization underscores the necessity for stringent containment and treatment measures to mitigate the risk of environmental contamination. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Waste Management and Utilization)

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24 pages, 2351 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Activated Carbon and P-Rich Fertilizer Production from Industrial Sludge by Application of an Integrated Thermo-Chemical Treatment

by Andrea Salimbeni, Marta Di Bianca, Andrea Maria Rizzo and David Chiaramonti

Sustainability 2023, 15(19), 14620; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151914620 - 9 Oct 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1007

Abstract

The cost and environmental impact of sludge disposal methods highlight the necessity of new solutions for resource recovery. This study aims at concurrently producing activated carbon while recovering phosphorous by applying an integrated thermo-chemical treatment to a sludge of industrial origin. The sludge was first subjected to slow pyrolysis on a laboratory scale at different temperatures, and the produced chars were processed by leaching to obtain biocoal. Leaching tests enabled us to define the optimal slow pyrolysis temperatures to maximize leaching performances. Then, sludge was processed in a slow pyrolysis pilot-scale plant, and the produced char was subjected to acid leaching and finally to physical activation. Chemical precipitation was then applied to the liquid leachate to recover phosphorous as a salt. Laboratory-scale slow pyrolysis and leaching tests showed that a higher pyrolysis temperature leads to a lower degree of demineralization by leaching. Leaching enabled us to reduce the char ash content by almost 88%, extracting 100% P, Mg, Ca, and Fe and almost 90% Al. Physical activation of biocoal with CO₂ at 700 and 800 °C produced materials with a surface area of 353 and 417 m² g⁻¹, respectively, that make them potentially applicable as adsorbents in wastewater treatment or in industrial emissions processes. Moreover, the activated carbons showed the atomic H/C and O/C ratios of anthracite, which opens a wide range of alternative market applications to fossil coal, such as metallurgy and the advanced material sector. In addition, the high P and K concentrations in the salt obtained by precipitation make it a promising fertilizing product in line with the current regulations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Waste Management and Utilization)

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21 pages, 2928 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Multistep Extraction Transformation of Spent Coffee Grounds to the Cellulose-Based Enzyme Immobilization Carrier

by Mirna Brekalo, Blanka Bilić Rajs, Krunoslav Aladić, Lidija Jakobek, Zita Šereš, Saša Krstović, Stela Jokić, Sandra Budžaki and Ivica Strelec

Sustainability 2023, 15(17), 13142; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151713142 - 31 Aug 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1295

Abstract

The present study investigated the possibility of spent coffee ground (SCG) transformation to a cellulose-based enzyme immobilization carrier using a multistep extraction procedure. In the first step, SCGs were extracted with n-hexane by Soxhlet extraction in order to obtain SCG oil, while the remaining solid residue was subjected to continuous solvent flow sequential subcritical extraction with 96% and 50% ethanol and water. Afterwards, the obtained solid residue was subjected to alkaline liquefaction with 8% NaOH in order to remove lignin and produce cellulose-enriched SCGs as a potential enzyme immobilization carrier. Multistep extraction transformation of SCGs was monitored by chemical analysis of extracts and obtained solid residues. Soxhlet extraction of 100 g of SCGs yielded 10.58 g of SCG oil rich in linoleic and palmitic acid, while continuous solvent flow sequential subcritical extraction of 100 g of defatted SCGs yielded a total of 1.63 g of proteins, 5.58 g of sugars, 204 mg of caffeine, 76 mg of chlorogenic acid, and 11.97 mg of 5-(hydroxymethyl)furfural. Alkaline liquefaction of 100 g of sequentially extracted defatted SCGs by 8% NaOH yielded 7.45 g of proteins, 8.63 g of total polyphenols, 50.73 g of sugars, and 20.83 g of cellulose-enriched SCGs. Based on the characteristics of cellulose-enriched SCGs including a volume-weighted mean particle size of 277 μm, relative narrow particle size distribution with a span value of 1.484, water holding capacity of 7.55 mL/g, and a lack of carrier leakage, it could be safely concluded that produced cellulose-enriched SCGs fulfills criteria to be used as potential enzyme immobilization carrier. Overall, it seems that the proposed multistep extraction transformation of SCGs has great potential to be used for the production of several high-value added products. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Waste Management and Utilization)

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21 pages, 1089 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Fuzzy TOPSIS-Based Approach for Comprehensive Evaluation of Bio-Medical Waste Management: Advancing Sustainability and Decision-Making

by Khalil al-Sulbi, Pawan Kumar Chaurasia, Abdulaziz Attaallah, Alka Agrawal, Dhirendra Pandey, Vandna Rani Verma, Vipin Kumar and Md Tarique Jamal Ansari

Sustainability 2023, 15(16), 12565; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151612565 - 18 Aug 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1163

Abstract

Bio-medical waste management is critical for ensuring public health and environmental sustainability. However, due to the inherent ambiguities and complexities involved with waste characteristics and disposal techniques, measuring the efficiency of bio-medical waste management systems presents major hurdles. This study provides a Fuzzy TOPSIS-based (Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution) strategy for thorough bio-medical waste management assessment. The suggested method combines the benefits of fuzzy logic and TOPSIS, allowing for the incorporation of subjective judgments and ambiguity in the evaluation procedure. Initially, a thorough set of criteria is constructed based on a review of current literature and recommendations from experts, comprising Environmental Impact, Compliance with Regulations, Health and Safety, Technological Feasibility, and Cost-effectiveness. To accurately represent the inherent ambiguity and imprecision in decision-making, each criterion is evaluated using linguistic variables. Furthermore, the Fuzzy TOPSIS approach is used to rate various bio-medical waste management systems depending on how well they perform in comparison to the identified criteria. The language judgments are represented as fuzzy numbers, and the idea of closeness coefficients is used for calculating the relative distance between each alternative and the ideal answer. An investigation in a healthcare facility is performed to demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the suggested strategy. To assess numerous waste management approaches, the study uses real-world data on waste management practices, expert opinions, and linguistic analyses. The study’s findings emphasize the benefits of using a Fuzzy TOPSIS-based technique to evaluate bio-medical waste management. According to the findings of this research study, recycling is the best choice because it has the potential to reduce waste, recover resources, and preserve the environment. It assists decision-makers to account for uncertainties and subjectivity, increases transparency and consistency in decision-making, and aids in choosing of the best waste management system. The proposed approach advances sustainable waste management practices in the bio-medical area and provides a helpful tool for policymakers and practitioners looking to enhance waste management systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Waste Management and Utilization)

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23 pages, 3372 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Monitoring Intertidal Habitats for Effects from Biosolids Applications onto an Adjacent Forestry Plantation

by Carlos J. A. Campos, Anna Berthelsen, Fiona MacLean, Lisa Floerl, Don Morrisey, Paul Gillespie and Nathan Clarke

Sustainability 2023, 15(16), 12279; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151612279 - 11 Aug 2023

Viewed by 745

Abstract

Stabilised organic solids derived from sewage sludge (“biosolids”) are applied to land as an alternative to disposal as landfill. This study evaluated the long-term effects of biosolids applied to forestry plantations on the adjacent intertidal habitats of Rabbit Island (New Zealand). On this island, biosolids are applied to enhance the growth of trees (Pinus radiata). Shoreline topography, macroalgal cover, sediment grain size, the concentrations of nutrients, trace metals, and faecal indicator bacteria, and benthic infaunal communities were studied in 2008, 2014, and 2019 at twelve intertidal transect sites (four “reference” and eight “application”) adjacent to forestry blocks where biosolids have been applied over a period of 24 years. The sediment composition did not differ significantly between the survey years or between the reference and application sites. Total nitrogen concentrations in the sediments increased over time at some transects, but such increases were not consistent among the application transects. No symptoms of excessive algal growth, sediment anoxia, and hydrogen sulphide odours were observed at most sites. Key infaunal taxa were similar between the reference and application transects. Overall, no long-term adverse changes to intertidal habitats attributed to biosolids application were detected between the reference and application sites. This study shows that biosolids application can co-occur without detectable adverse effects on nearby intertidal environments. In a global context of rising concern over climate change, environmental pollution, and resource scarcity, forest fertilisation with biosolids can facilitate biomass production and soil development while protecting valued coastal ecosystems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Waste Management and Utilization)

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18 pages, 4208 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Reuse within the UK’s Charity Retail Sector: Steps towards Sustainability

by Bethan R. Dolphin, Peter J. Shaw and Ian D. Williams

Sustainability 2023, 15(16), 12153; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151612153 - 9 Aug 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1635

Abstract

The social benefits of charity retail are widely recognized. However, data relating to the potential benefits to the sustainable use of end-of-use consumer goods are scarce. A general survey and an observational study at a typical charity shop aimed to quantify and evaluate reuse via charity retail outlets. We reveal valuable insights to stock data recording, procedures for receiving/dealing with donations (by category), use of standard approaches, quantification of key variables, and accuracy of previous survey data. Methods were successfully developed and trialled to (a) quantify diversion of end-of-use products from residual waste via reuse/recycling, and (b) estimate the cost of unsaleable donations. Future routine use of these methods for charity retail shops is recommended while acknowledging the limitations due to reporting capabilities. We identify four key groups of beneficiaries: (1) the parent charity, (2) charity shop workers (paid and unpaid), (3) donors, and (4) customers. Specific benefits, such as social interactions, are not exclusive to specific beneficiaries. Efforts to improve positive impacts should focus on securing appropriate donations, facilitating information capture, and promoting reuse. An important balance is required between maximising income and reuse, and retaining the social benefits that charities provide to communities. Full article

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18 pages, 2416 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Biochar as an Additive in the Co-Composting of Green Waste and Food Waste

by Brayan Alexis Parra-Orobio, Jonathan Soto-Paz, Jhon Alexander Hernández-Cruz, Martha Cecilia Gómez-Herreño, Isabel Cristina Domínguez-Rivera and Edgar Ricardo Oviedo-Ocaña

Sustainability 2023, 15(9), 7437; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15097437 - 30 Apr 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2115

Abstract

Green waste (GW) represents 11% of municipal solid waste. Managing this waste is challenging due to its physicochemical variability, low density, and presence of hard-to-degrade lignocellulosic compounds. Composting is an alternative for GW transformation and valorization. However, due to the substrate characteristics, processing times are long, and the end product typically does not meet quality standards. Incorporating additives and co-substrates are operational strategies that contribute to overcoming these challenges. An essential step is the determination of a mixture’s composition that ensures synergistic effects on the process and end-product quality. This research assessed the effect of adding biochar (Bch) in the co-composting of GW and food waste (FW). A previously studied co-composting mixture (M) of GW, raw and processed FW, sawdust (Sd), and phosphoric rock (Pr) with four treatments by duplicate were assessed at the pilot scale: T₁: 100% GW, T₂: M₁, T₃: M₂ + 2% Bch, y T₄: M₃ + 5% Bch. The results show that Bch treatments maintained the range of thermophilic temperatures for longer than the other two treatments (between four and five additional days), showing greater biological activity and better end-product hygienization. Likewise, in the Bch treatments, the hemicellulose and cellulose degradation improved compared to treatments without Bch by 33.9% and 23.3%, respectively, and nitrogen losses were reduced by up to 70%. Regarding the end product, adding a 2% dose of Bch allowed the highest fertility index compared to the other three treatments, showing its potential for agricultural use. This work demonstrates that adding biochar to FW and GW co-composting improves organic matter degradation rates, lignocellulosic degradation, and end-product quality. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Waste Management and Utilization)

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18 pages, 4530 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Initial Carbon to Nitrogen Ratio on Kitchen Waste Composting Maturity

by Fatin Amanina Azis, Melanie Choo, Hazwani Suhaimi and Pg Emeroylariffion Abas

Sustainability 2023, 15(7), 6191; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15076191 - 4 Apr 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2809

Abstract

A home electrical composter has arisen as a popular tool to expedite the lengthy composting process. It has been conveniently selected as a compost producer in kitchen households and is especially favoured in urbanized settings. The generated composts from the electrical composter, however, are still found to be immature and would require additional curing. The quality of the compost can be improved by investigating the initial carbon-to-nitrogen ratio (C/N ratio) of kitchen waste. It is, therefore, the aim of this paper to determine the optimum initial C/N ratio by preparing two primary samples: with and without soil. Samples of 10:1, 15:1, 20:1, 25:1, 30:1, and 35:1 C/N ratios were fed into the electrical composter and allowed to cure for 4 weeks. The six main samples were further divided into sub-samples for replications. The phytotoxicity levels and maturity of the produced compost were assessed in terms of the germination index (GI), using a seed germination test. In addition, statistical analyses using box plots and T-distributed Stochastic Neighbour Embedding (T-SNE) were carried out to observe the root growths’ variability and to deduce any significant clusters amongst the samples. The results have shown that samples with and without soil performed better with C/N ratios of 10:1 and 25:1 and with GI values of 16.2 and 31.8, respectively. The results also indicate the presence of a substantial level of phytotoxins within the samples, even after four weeks of curing. Full article

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13 pages, 1351 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Prioritization of Waste-to-Energy Technologies Associated with the Utilization of Food Waste

by Patricia Torres-Lozada, Pablo Manyoma-Velásquez and Jenny Fabiana Gaviria-Cuevas

Sustainability 2023, 15(7), 5857; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15075857 - 28 Mar 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1518

Abstract

Taking advantage of the growing production of organic waste for its conversion to waste-to-energy (WtE) also contributes to mitigating the problems associated with its final disposal, which is a global trend of increasing application. This work presents an innovative approach for the identification and prioritization of WtE alternatives available from the use of food waste (FW) present in the municipal solid waste (MSW) of a Colombian municipality with source separation and selective collection: (i) a systematic literature review, which allows one to identify WtE alternatives; (ii) the prospective MIC-MAC method (Matrice d’Impacts Croisés Multiplication Appliqués à un Classement) allowed the selection of criteria and sub criteria; (iii) the analytical hierarchical process (AHP) and the technique of order of preference by similarity to the ideal solution (TOPSIS), allowed a ranking of selected alternatives considering the technical, environmental, and social aspects. The WtE technologies identified were anaerobic digestion, gasification, incineration, biogas recovery from landfills, and pyrolysis; this last was excluded due to its greater application potential with substrates such as plastic waste. The six sub-criteria identified and prioritized were social acceptability (36%), greenhouse gas emissions mitigated (16.17%), MSW reduction (15.83%), energy production (13.80%), technological maturity (12.95%), and electrical energy conversion efficiency (5.25%), with the decreasing order of preferences of anaerobic digestion (78.2%), gasification (47.5%), incineration (27.4%), and biogas recovery from landfills (6.6%); the latter was the least desirable alternative (lower social acceptance and CO₂ tons mitigated in relation to the other options). The innovative nature of this study is the identification and consideration of the comprehensive management of this type of waste of a large number of criteria (120 environmental, 52 social, and 59 technical) and the validation of the results through a sensitivity analysis, which allowed us to confirm for this study, that anaerobic digestion is the most favorable technology for the treatment and energy use of FW. Full article

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16 pages, 1193 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Relationships among Physicochemical, Microbiological, and Parasitological Parameters, Ecotoxicity, and Biochemical Methane Potential of Pig Slurry

by María Eugenia Beily, Brian Jonathan Young, Patricia Alina Bres, Nicolás Iván Riera, Wenguo Wang, Diana Elvira Crespo and Dimitrios Komilis

Sustainability 2023, 15(4), 3172; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15043172 - 9 Feb 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1607

Abstract

Background: Pig slurry can negatively impact on the environmental, animal, and human health. Knowing the relationship between the organic and inorganic loads, pathogens, and toxicity allows identifying the main parameters to be removed or treated before final disposal. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationships between the physicochemical properties, microbiological, and parasitological content, ecotoxicological effects, and biochemical methane potential (BMP) of pig slurries. Methods: Ten pig slurry samples at two production stages were characterized and a BMP test at two substrate/inoculum (S/I) ratios was conducted to compare the methane yields. Results: We found high content of Cu, Zn, quaternary ammonium, pathogenic microorganisms (E. coli and Salmonella), and parasites (Trichuris and Trichostrongylus). Toxicity on lettuce, radish, and Daphnia was observed with a slurry concentration greater than 1.35%. Positive correlations were found between toxicity on Daphnia and chemical oxygen demand (COD), sulfate, Zn, and Cu, as well as between phytotoxicity and COD, NH₄, Na, K, and conductivity. The lowest S/I ratio showed 13% more methane yield. It was associated with high removals of COD and volatile fatty acids. Conclusions: We recommend using a low S/I ratio to treat pig slurry as it improves the efficiency of the anaerobic process. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Waste Management and Utilization)

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Review

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23 pages, 7174 KiB

Open AccessReview

Meta-Analysis of Yields of Crops Fertilized with Compost Tea and Anaerobic Digestate

by Franco Curadelli, Marcelo Alberto, Ernesto Martín Uliarte, Mariana Combina and Iván Funes-Pinter

Sustainability 2023, 15(2), 1357; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15021357 - 11 Jan 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2016

Abstract

Organic inputs constitute an alternative way to replace or reduce the use of agrochemicals in order to increase sustainability and reduce negative impacts of agriculture on the environment. A consistent determination of average yields obtained with organic fertilizers in comparison to synthetic fertilizers is necessary to assess their potential in both commercial and organic agriculture. To achieve this goal, a meta-analysis of existing scientific data of yields obtained with digestate or compost tea fertilization was performed. After a systematic bibliographic search of scientific publications, 35 final papers remained from >1000 initial results. Data of crop yield with digestate or compost tea fertilization, as well as control and synthetic fertilizer treatments, were extracted from the selected articles and used to calculate response ratios (ratios of means), obtaining 106 observations. The meta-analysis showed that digestate fertilization produced yields 80% higher than the control. Yields were statistically similar to those obtained with conventional treatments with chemical fertilization (only 2% lower in average). The results for digestate are considered robust as the significance did not change after conducting publication bias analyses. However, the high heterogeneity observed suggests the existence of explanatory variables accounting for part of the observed dispersion. Subgroup analyses were conducted to determine the variation of the results of digestate across crop species and field or greenhouse experiments, while compost teas did not present adequate data quantity to obtain reliable results. According to this meta-analysis, anaerobic digestate had an acceptable performance as fertilizer for several crops at a reported application rate ranging from 100 to 480 kg N ha⁻¹. Regarding compost tea, yields were 92% higher than the control and 10% lower than synthetic fertilization treatments, although more information is required to draw a conclusive result due to the low number of observations of this fertilizer. Further investigation is necessary to understand yield variations under different scenarios to study the influence of secondary variables and to propose management measures for producers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Waste Management and Utilization)

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