Identification and Evaluation of Determining Factors and Actors in the Management and Use of Biosolids through Prospective Analysis (MicMac and Mactor) and Social Networks

Camilo Venegas, Andrea C. Sánchez-Alfonso, Fidson-Juarismy Vesga, Alison Martín, Crispín Celis-Zambrano and Mauricio González Mendez
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Camilo Venegas: Department of Microbiology, Grupo de Biotecnología ambiental e industrial (GBAI), Laboratorio Calidad Microbiológica de Aguas y Lodos (CMAL), Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Carrera 7 No. 43-82, Bogotá 110231, Colombia
Andrea C. Sánchez-Alfonso: Corporación Autónoma Regional de Cundinamarca, Avenida Calle 24 (Esperanza) # 60-50, Centro Empresarial Gran Estación, Costado Esfera—Pisos 6-7, Bogotá 111321, Colombia
Fidson-Juarismy Vesga: Department of Microbiology, Grupo de Biotecnología ambiental e industrial (GBAI), Laboratorio Calidad Microbiológica de Aguas y Lodos (CMAL), Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Carrera 7 No. 43-82, Bogotá 110231, Colombia
Alison Martín: Department of Chemistry, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Carrera 7 No. 43-82, Bogotá 110231, Colombia
Crispín Celis-Zambrano: Department of Chemistry, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Carrera 7 No. 43-82, Bogotá 110231, Colombia
Mauricio González Mendez: School of Environmental and Rural Studies, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Transversal 4 No. 42-00, Piso 8º, Bogotá 110231, Colombia

Sustainability, 2022, vol. 14, issue 11, 1-24

Abstract: The reuse of biosolids in agriculture and its inclusion within the circular economy model requires evaluating and analyzing factors that intervene in its management. The objective of the study was to analyze those factors that influence the management and use of biosolids. Fifty-three actors were questioned, and their answers were analyzed using two prospective methods and Social Network Analysis (SNA) identifying between 14 and 19 variables. Six should be prioritized due to their criticality and potential in management and reuse scenarios. It was observed that the formulation of objectives, such as the improvement of infrastructure, creation of an institutional policy, and the establishment of definitions for the kinds of biosolids, are opposed by internal agents. Seven key actors and four to six determining agents were identified in the scenarios. The network of management and use of biosolids in agriculture presented low density (0.28) and the exclusive action of three key actors. Consequently, the participation of a greater number of better-connected actors is required to project networks with a higher density (between 0.49 and 0.57), facilitating the diffusion of information and the inclusion of new actors not previously contemplated. The application of prospective and SNA methodologies focused on biosolids allows the prioritization of determinants, the evaluation of the level of involvement and communication between actors, and other aspects that have not been considered previously in the management of WWTPs in Colombia.

Keywords: centrality measures; interest group; key variables; scenario-based planning; stakeholder analysis; waste management; wastewater treatment plants (WTTPs) (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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