With the increase in population and wastewater generation, the management of solid by-products, including sewage sludge (SS), has become a challenge. This article reviews various advantages and challenges associated with the use of sewage sludge-derived biochar (SSDB) and its potential for application in environmental improvement toward the attainment of circular economy. SS is a semi-solid mixture of various components, including potentially toxic elements (PTEs), generated as a by-product from wastewater treatment plants. The economic feasibility associated with SS management is a primary challenge for wastewater treatment plants. The utilization of bio-waste after conversion into biochar is gaining impetus considering its application potential in various fields. Biochar is rich in organic matter and nutrients. Its highly porous structure makes it an attractive alternative to traditional waste management methods. The properties of biochar, especially sludge-derived biochar, are greatly affected by various factors such as residence time, moisture content, pyrolysis temperature, heating rate, etc. This paper reviews recent emerging fields of application for SSDB, including water and wastewater treatment, soil amelioration, air pollution control, and carbon sequestration. The barriers of sludge-derived biochar application and possible strategies to overcome them have also been presented. This review article will promote further research, facilitate the advancement required for the sustainable management of SS and promote the circular economy.
Sewage sludge derived biochar and its potential for sustainable environment in circular economy: Advantages and challenges / Khan, R.; Shukla, S.; Kumar, M.; Zuorro, A.; Pandey, A.. - In: CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL. - ISSN 1385-8947. - 471:(2023). [10.1016/j.cej.2023.144495]
Sewage sludge derived biochar and its potential for sustainable environment in circular economy: Advantages and challenges
Shukla S.;Zuorro A.;
2023
Abstract
With the increase in population and wastewater generation, the management of solid by-products, including sewage sludge (SS), has become a challenge. This article reviews various advantages and challenges associated with the use of sewage sludge-derived biochar (SSDB) and its potential for application in environmental improvement toward the attainment of circular economy. SS is a semi-solid mixture of various components, including potentially toxic elements (PTEs), generated as a by-product from wastewater treatment plants. The economic feasibility associated with SS management is a primary challenge for wastewater treatment plants. The utilization of bio-waste after conversion into biochar is gaining impetus considering its application potential in various fields. Biochar is rich in organic matter and nutrients. Its highly porous structure makes it an attractive alternative to traditional waste management methods. The properties of biochar, especially sludge-derived biochar, are greatly affected by various factors such as residence time, moisture content, pyrolysis temperature, heating rate, etc. This paper reviews recent emerging fields of application for SSDB, including water and wastewater treatment, soil amelioration, air pollution control, and carbon sequestration. The barriers of sludge-derived biochar application and possible strategies to overcome them have also been presented. This review article will promote further research, facilitate the advancement required for the sustainable management of SS and promote the circular economy.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.