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Application of Freeze Concentration Technologies to Valorize Nutrient-Rich Effluents Generated from the Anaerobic Digestion of Agro-Industrial Wastes

Author

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  • Imane Uald-lamkaddam

    (BETA Tech Center, TECNIO Network, University of Vic—Central University of Catalonia, C/de Roda 70, 08500 Vic, Spain)

  • Arezoo Dadrasnia

    (BETA Tech Center, TECNIO Network, University of Vic—Central University of Catalonia, C/de Roda 70, 08500 Vic, Spain
    Energy Safety Research Institute (ESRI), College of Engineering, Bay Campus, Swansea University, Swansea SA2 8EN, UK)

  • Laia Llenas

    (BETA Tech Center, TECNIO Network, University of Vic—Central University of Catalonia, C/de Roda 70, 08500 Vic, Spain)

  • Sergio Ponsá

    (BETA Tech Center, TECNIO Network, University of Vic—Central University of Catalonia, C/de Roda 70, 08500 Vic, Spain)

  • Joan Colón

    (BETA Tech Center, TECNIO Network, University of Vic—Central University of Catalonia, C/de Roda 70, 08500 Vic, Spain)

  • Esther Vega

    (BETA Tech Center, TECNIO Network, University of Vic—Central University of Catalonia, C/de Roda 70, 08500 Vic, Spain)

  • Mabel Mora

    (BETA Tech Center, TECNIO Network, University of Vic—Central University of Catalonia, C/de Roda 70, 08500 Vic, Spain)

Abstract

The production of biogas through anaerobic digestion implies the generation of 90–95% of digested raw material, namely digestate. A nutrient-rich stream is generally applied to cropland to enhance yields, due to its high abundance of nutrients. Nevertheless, the intensive digestate farming brings about nutrient saturation and groundwater contamination. The application of downstream emerging technologies that focus on the recovery of nutrients from digestate have been studied, yet freeze concentration technology (FC) has never been considered for this purpose. This study evaluates the performance of FC technology applied to concentrate nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) from an effluent of a reverse osmosis unit that is treating the digestate of agro-industrial waste effluents. For this aim, two lab-scale methodological approaches were investigated, namely, progressive FC (PFC) and suspension FC (SFC), set through the utilization of different FC configurations. The concentrates obtained in both FC methods agreed with the regulations for fertilizers in terms of nutrients and metals content; meanwhile, the diluted fraction can be delivered as water for irrigation in high-density livestock areas. The application of FC solves the transportation cost side effect of livestock waste on the one hand, and soil contamination with nutrient on the other hand.

Suggested Citation

  • Imane Uald-lamkaddam & Arezoo Dadrasnia & Laia Llenas & Sergio Ponsá & Joan Colón & Esther Vega & Mabel Mora, 2021. "Application of Freeze Concentration Technologies to Valorize Nutrient-Rich Effluents Generated from the Anaerobic Digestion of Agro-Industrial Wastes," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(24), pages 1-17, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:24:p:13769-:d:701657
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. De Vries, J.W. & Groenestein, C.M. & Schröder, J.J. & Hoogmoed, W.B. & Sukkel, W. & Groot Koerkamp, P.W.G. & De Boer, I.J.M., 2015. "Integrated manure management to reduce environmental impact: II. Environmental impact assessment of strategies," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 138(C), pages 88-99.
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    1. Gabriel Gerner & Jae Wook Chung & Luca Meyer & Rahel Wanner & Simon Heiniger & Daniel Seiler & Rolf Krebs & Alexander Treichler & Roman Kontic & Beatrice Kulli, 2023. "Hydrothermal Carbonization of Sewage Sludge: New Improvements in Phosphatic Fertilizer Production and Process Water Treatment Using Freeze Concentration," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(20), pages 1-19, October.

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