Environmental Impacts and Contaminants Management in Sewage Sludge-to-Energy and Fertilizer Technologies: Current Trends and Future Directions

Anna Grobelak (), Klaudia Całus-Makowska, Anna Jasińska, Marek Klimasz, Aleksandra Wypart-Pawul, Dominika Augustajtys, Estera Baor, Daria Sławczyk and Aneta Kowalska
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Anna Grobelak: Department of Environmental Engineering and Biotechnology, Faculty of Infrastructure and Environment, Czestochowa University of Technology, 42200 Czestochowa, Poland
Klaudia Całus-Makowska: Department of Environmental Engineering and Biotechnology, Faculty of Infrastructure and Environment, Czestochowa University of Technology, 42200 Czestochowa, Poland
Anna Jasińska: Department of Environmental Engineering and Biotechnology, Faculty of Infrastructure and Environment, Czestochowa University of Technology, 42200 Czestochowa, Poland
Marek Klimasz: Department of Environmental Engineering and Biotechnology, Faculty of Infrastructure and Environment, Czestochowa University of Technology, 42200 Czestochowa, Poland
Aleksandra Wypart-Pawul: Department of Environmental Engineering and Biotechnology, Faculty of Infrastructure and Environment, Czestochowa University of Technology, 42200 Czestochowa, Poland
Dominika Augustajtys: Department of Environmental Engineering and Biotechnology, Faculty of Infrastructure and Environment, Czestochowa University of Technology, 42200 Czestochowa, Poland
Estera Baor: Department of Environmental Engineering and Biotechnology, Faculty of Infrastructure and Environment, Czestochowa University of Technology, 42200 Czestochowa, Poland
Daria Sławczyk: Department of Environmental Engineering and Biotechnology, Faculty of Infrastructure and Environment, Czestochowa University of Technology, 42200 Czestochowa, Poland
Aneta Kowalska: Department of Biochemistry, Biotechnology and Ecotoxicology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Jan Dlugosz University, 42200 Czestochowa, Poland

Energies, 2024, vol. 17, issue 19, 1-28

Abstract: The increasing focus on sustainability and the circular economy has brought waste-to-energy technologies to the forefront of renewable energy research. However, the environmental impacts and management of contaminants associated with these technologies remain critical issues. This article comprehensively reviews the environmental impacts of converting sewage sludge into energy and fertilizers, focusing on managing potential contaminants and assessing the implications and ecological risks. It also highlights the latest trends in waste-to-energy technologies, waste-to-soil amendment, and their integration into circular economy frameworks. The discussion encompasses challenges and opportunities in optimizing these processes in wastewater treatment plants to minimize pollutants and enhance sustainability. Addressing these challenges is essential for ensuring the long-term viability and acceptance of waste-to-energy solutions, making this topic highly relevant and timely.

Keywords: environment; emerging contaminants; waste to energy; wastewater treatment plants; sewage sludge; green transformation; risk assessment (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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