Sewage Sludge as N-Fertilizers for Crop Production Enabling the Circular Bioeconomy in Agriculture: A Challenge for the New EU Regulation 1009/2019

Abstract

The fertilizer framework in the European Union has recently been reviewed by EU Regulation 1009/2019 that excluded sewage sludge from the list of the possible constituents of organic fertilizers relying on their origin, not on their quality. This paper aimed to carry out a complete characterization of sewage sludge obtained from a pharmaceutical manufacturing process (PDSS) to demonstrate that sewage sludge obtained from a standardized and controlled manufacturing process can be safely recycled as organic fertilizer. The agronomic and environmental characteristics of the PDSS product were analyzed and compared to other organic fertilizers. Its fertilizing potential was also evaluated through plant growth trials. PDSS was characterized by a high concentration of total N (6.6% w/w), which was all present in organic form. PDSS also showed a low concentration of heavy metals, an absence of pathogens and low concentrations of organic contaminants. Plant growth trials showed that the PDSS was able to improve lettuce and carrot growth (+25 and +46% of dry weight compared to the unfertilized control), as well as their physiological status. Considering all the results, the exclusion of sewage sludge relying only on its origin and not on its quality appears to conflict with the principles of the circular bioeconomy.

Response assessment of some sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) cultivars to organic fertilizers treatments under South Sinai conditions

“…In the same direction, the relative decrease percentages in root diameters were 9.96, 10.31 and 9.68% in three seasons, respectively. These outcomes follow the same pattern as those attained by (Harveson et al, 2002;Cucina et al, 2021 andErnst et al, 2021).…”

Municipal Sewage Sludge as a Source for Obtaining Efficient Biosorbents: Analysis of Pyrolysis Products and Adsorption Tests

“…Sewage sludge is classified as waste, which, under Directive 2018/851/EC, should be handled in line with the established hierarchy. Sewage sludge is usually discussed in the context of its management so that energy and various substances or materials can be obtained from them to be used for other purposes [ 15 , 16 ].…”

A Life Cycle Assessment to Evaluate the Environmental Benefits of Applying the Circular Economy Model to the Fertiliser Sector

“…The newly published Regulation (EU) 2019/1009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 June 2019 laying down rules on the making available on the market of EU fertilising products and amending Regulations (EC) No 1069/2009 and (EC) No 1107/2009 and repealing Regulation (EC) No 2003/2003 introduces significant changes on the European market in the manufacturing, trade, and compatibility assessment of mineral fertilisers [25]. Indeed, the introduction of seven Product Function Categories (PFCs) and eleven Component Material Categories (CMCs) promotes an increased use of recycled nutrients, contributes further to the development of the circular economy, and allows for a more resource-efficient overall use of nutrients while at the same time reducing the European Union's dependence on nutrients from third countries.…”