Transforming Organic Waste Streams to Valued Bioresources through Advanced Anaerobic Digestion

Balasundaram, G., Gahlot, P., Tyagi, V.K., Kazmi, A.A., Kleiven, H., Sahu, A.K.

WISA, 2024

Abstract

The management and disposal of sewage sludge and faecal sludge matter (FSM) across Africa is problematic, presenting significant impacts on human health and the environment.
Land disposal of FSM and sewage sludge produced in conventional municipal wastewater purification operations contains pathogens and is typically associated with nuisance odour and vector attractions, increasing the likelihood of disease spreading. The significant impact on the environment that disposal to landfill, as a common linear disposal practice, has been realised and alternative circular economy approaches are being sought while policy and legislation are being reviewed to promote circularity. In response, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment requires that all municipalities divert organic waste from landfills by 2027.
Anaerobic digestion (AD) is commonly applied in the treatment process to stabilise residual sludge. Often the management of the digestate becomes an overwhelming task for utilities. Stockpiling of sludge as a temporary measure transforms to longer term routines as material is often left for extended periods of time, allowing for further methane emission into the atmosphere and pollution of water resources.

Download the paper.