Management Strategies and Stakeholders Analysis to Strengthen the Management and Use of Biosolids in a Colombian Municipality

Abstract

The difficulties in the management and use of biosolids in Colombia make it necessary to evaluate and analyze the factors involved through various methodologies to achieve the effective management and recycling of this type of waste. The objective of this study was to evaluate the management of sludge and biosolids from a WWTP in a Colombian municipality through the application of three methodologies (SWOT/TOWS, surveys, and stakeholder (player) weighing) for their subsequent use in agriculture. As a result, strategies were proposed at the regulatory, organizational policy, and entity integration levels, among others. It was identified that about 93.6% of the people surveyed had a positive attitude towards the use of biosolids in agriculture, despite recognizing the existence of a risk (27.3%) in this type of practice. On the other hand, regarding the communication of WWTP management of these wastes, they perceived that it to be absent (65%) and the lack of knowledge regarding the destination of these wastes was even greater (72.7%). Through the weighting of actors, 16 players were classified with whom it is necessary to work closely, regularly, or occasionally. The methodologies proposed will allow similar WWTPs to optimize their processes through continuous improvement and joint work between the different entities and communities. It is recommended that other methodologies be used to evaluate player position level in relation to planned strategies, as well as the level of associations of one player with another, independent of power and influence.

A review of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in biosolids: geographical distribution and regulations

“…In 2015, about 28.8% of biosolids generated were incinerated, while 15% were used in landfill (Tessier, 2017). According to Tessier, disposal of biosolids via incineration is declining, while land application is rising in Canada (Venegas et al, 2021). This trend is related to regulatory influences and voluntary biosolids quality enhancements but has been drastically slowed down by recent media attention on the presence of PFAS in biosolids.…”

Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats Analysis for the Strengthening of Solar Thermal Energy in Colombia

“…Regarding the application of renewable energies in Latin American countries, Horta et al [20] developed a methodology to evaluate the possibilities of integrating bioenergy projects in Latin America, the Caribbean, and Africa through a SWOT analysis. Venegas et al [21] researched biofuels' use and their waste management and recycling, focusing on a Colombian municipality. Finally, Diaz and Cilinskis [22] developed another study concern-ing Colombia using a multi-criteria analysis to define its path to decarbonization.…”

Public Perceptions of Faecal Sludge Biochar and Biosolids Use in Agriculture

“…The term "biosolids" has been adopted for treated sewage sludge more generally, as social science survey evidence suggested that it elicited a more positive perception than the word "sludge" [28,29]. Unlike for biochar, there have been numerous studies looking at its public perception [30][31][32][33][34]. This is in part because biosolid land application relies on public acceptance of key issues around its health, safety and environmental impacts.…”