Emergy analysis for the sustainable utilization of biosolids generated in a municipal wastewater treatment plant

JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION

卷:141

Article

Cano Londono, Natalia A.¹  Gallego Suarez, Dario¹  Velasquez, Hector I.¹  Ruiz-Mercado, Gerardo J.² 

[1] Univ Nacl Colombia Sede Medellin, Medellin 050041, Colombia

[2] US EPA, Off Res & Dev, Natl Risk Management Res Lab, Cincinnati, OH 45268 USA

关键词: Emergy;    Sustainability;    Indicator;    Biosolid;    Gasification;    Fertilizer;   

DOI  :  10.1016/j.jclepro.2016.09.033

来源: Elsevier

【 摘 要 】

This contribution describes the application of an emergy-based methodology for comparing two management alternatives of biosolids produced in a wastewater treatment plant. The current management practice of using biosolids as soil fertilizers was evaluated and compared to another alternative, the recovery of energy from the biosolid gasification process. This emergy assessment and comparison approach identifies more sustainable processes which achieve economic and social benefits with a minimal environmental impact. In addition, emergy-based sustainability indicators and the GREEN SCOPE methodology were used to compare the two biosolid management alternatives. According to the sustainability assessment results, the energy production from biosolid gasification is energetically profitable, economically viable, and environmentally suitable. Furthermore, it was found that the current use of biosolids as soil fertilizer does not generate any considerable environmental stress, has the potential to achieve more economic benefits, and a post-processing of biosolids prior to its use as soil fertilizer improves its sustainability performance. In conclusion, this emergy analysis provides a sustainability assessment of both alternatives of biosolid management and helps decision-makers to identify opportunities for improvement during the current process of biosolid management. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

【 授权许可】

Free