Valorization of a pharmaceutical organic sludge through different composting treatments

Cucina, Mirko; Tacconi, Chiara; Sordi, Simone; Pezzolla, Daniela; Gigliotti, Giovanni; Zadra, Claudia

doi:10.1016/j.wasman.2017.12.017

Cited by 24 publications

(9 citation statements)

References 47 publications

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“…Compost is a nutrient-rich organic amendment able to provide N, P, K and organic matter to the soil (Wang and Zeng, 2018). During composting, labile organic matter is mineralized and complex recalcitrant materials tend to concentrate, increasing the organic matter stabilization of the compost (Cucina et al, 2018).…”

Section: Compostingmentioning

confidence: 99%

The role of waste management in reducing bioplastics’ leakage into the environment: A review

Cucina

Nisi

Tambone

et al. 2021

Bioresource Technology

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Section: Compostingmentioning

confidence: 99%

The role of waste management in reducing bioplastics’ leakage into the environment: A review

Cucina

Nisi

Tambone

et al. 2021

Bioresource Technology

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“…These values were lower than P and K concentrations commonly found in DCM and other organic fertilizers (i.e., manure, digestate and composts) (Table 1) [19,43], but still represent a valuable content of recoverable nutrients. With respect to the other elements analyzed, their concentrations decreased following the order Ca > Na > Mg and the values measured did not differ significantly from those of the DCM and other biomasses described in the literature [9,19,44].…”

Section: Characterization Of the Dried Pharmaceutical Sewage Sludge And Agronomic Valuementioning

confidence: 55%

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

et al. 2021

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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.

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“…The parameters chosen were used to explain both the progress of composting and the quality of the final compost. The five mixtures were those described in Cucina et al [20], Cucina et al [3] and Tacconi et al [21], and different compositions were included to ensure that the studied parameters described in the following paragraphs could be suitable for a broad type of mixtures. Bulking and/or absorbent agents were mixed with raw materials to maximize the amount of organic waste treated and to adjust the physical properties (bulk density, air-filled porosity and moisture content), avoid water leaching and ensure optimal air circulation.…”

Section: Composting Experimentsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Composting is a self-heating process that proceeds through three main steps: (1) The mesophilic phase (25-40 • C), (2) the thermophilic phase (55-65 • C) and (3) the curing phase. During composting, labile organic matter is mineralized and complex recalcitrant materials tend to concentrate, increasing the organic matter stabilization in the compost [3]. Compost is a nutrient-rich organic amendment able to provide N, P, K and organic matter to the soil, also contributing to soil C sequestration [2,4].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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The Use of New Parameters to Optimize the Composting Process of Different Organic Wastes

et al. 2021

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The correct development of the composting process is essential to obtain a product of high value from organic wastes. Nowadays, some composting mixture parameters (i.e., air-filled porosity, moisture and the C/N ratio) are used to optimize the composting process, but their suitability is still debated because the literature reports contrasting results. This paper aimed to find other parameters that control the correct development of composting. The relationship between these and the compost quality was then verified. Twelve different composting mixtures were prepared using different organic wastes and bulking agents and were aerobically treated in a 300 L composter. The physico-chemical and chemical parameters of initial mixtures were analyzed, with particular regard to the total and water-extractable forms of organic C and N and their ratios and correlated with the temperature measured during composting. A positive correlation between temperature parameters during the active phase and soluble forms of N in the initial mixtures was found. A high total organic C to soluble N ratio in the composting mixtures was correlated with the low quality of the compost produced. Based on the results, a minimum content of WEN (water-extractable N) (0.4% w/w) or a TOC/WEN (total organic C/WEN) ratio in the range of 40–80 was recommended to ensure the correct development of the process and to produce compost of high quality.

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Valorization of a pharmaceutical organic sludge through different composting treatments

Cited by 24 publications

References 47 publications

The role of waste management in reducing bioplastics’ leakage into the environment: A review

The role of waste management in reducing bioplastics’ leakage into the environment: A review

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

The Use of New Parameters to Optimize the Composting Process of Different Organic Wastes

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