Spatial multicriteria analysis to select suitable sites for sewage sludge use in agriculture: a case study in southeast Brazil

Lucas Almeida Chamhum-Silva (), Thiago Bressani-Ribeiro, Lariza Santos Azevedo, Antonio Teixeira Matos, Carlos Augusto Lemos Chernicharo and Cesar Rossas Mota Filho ()
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Lucas Almeida Chamhum-Silva: Reference Center On Sustainable Sewage Treatment Plants
Thiago Bressani-Ribeiro: Reference Center On Sustainable Sewage Treatment Plants
Lariza Santos Azevedo: Reference Center On Sustainable Sewage Treatment Plants
Antonio Teixeira Matos: Federal University of Minas Gerais
Carlos Augusto Lemos Chernicharo: Reference Center On Sustainable Sewage Treatment Plants
Cesar Rossas Mota Filho: Federal University of Minas Gerais

Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, 2024, vol. 26, issue 9, No 49, 23175-23191

Abstract: Abstract If adequately treated, sewage sludge can be a safe and sustainable source of nutrients and organic matter for soil enhancement, improving agriculture productivity. To close loops in the sewage treatment-agriculture nexus, it is crucial to compare sludge generation (quantity and location of treatment plants) and possible sites for sludge application on a regional level. This study used spatial multicriteria analysis to assess land suitability for sludge application based on several criteria related to soil, land use characteristics, and environmental legal constraints. The study area comprised two large watersheds (a total area of 52,870 km2) in Minas Gerais state, southeast Brazil. Results indicated a total sludge production of 21,778 t dry solids.year−1, which is currently mainly disposed of in landfills (76%). Even though approximately 52% of the study area presented constraints to sludge application in agricultural fields, suitable areas can receive the total amount of sludge generated. In some cases, the most suitable areas would afford for a capacity 20-fold bigger than the sludge produced. Although other factors should be addressed for effectively applying sludge to agriculture (e.g. social acceptance), this work shows the usefulness of the spatial multicriteria analysis tool to select suitable sites.

Keywords: Agricultural use; Nutrients; Biosolids; Sludge management; Land suitability; Circular economy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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DOI: 10.1007/s10668-023-03595-1

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