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,
Aneta Kowalska
Affiliations
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
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.
