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Spatial multicriteria analysis to select suitable sites for sewage sludge use in agriculture: a case study in southeast Brazil

Author

Listed:
  • Lucas Almeida Chamhum-Silva

    (Reference Center On Sustainable Sewage Treatment Plants
    Federal University of Minas Gerais)

  • Thiago Bressani-Ribeiro

    (Reference Center On Sustainable Sewage Treatment Plants
    Federal University of Minas Gerais)

  • Lariza Santos Azevedo

    (Reference Center On Sustainable Sewage Treatment Plants
    Federal University of Minas Gerais)

  • Antonio Teixeira Matos

    (Federal University of Minas Gerais)

  • Carlos Augusto Lemos Chernicharo

    (Reference Center On Sustainable Sewage Treatment Plants
    Federal University of Minas Gerais)

  • Cesar Rossas Mota Filho

    (Federal University of Minas Gerais)

Abstract

If adequately treated, sewage sludge can be a safe and sustainable source of nutrients and organic matter for soil enhancement, improving agriculture productivity. To close loops in the sewage treatment-agriculture nexus, it is crucial to compare sludge generation (quantity and location of treatment plants) and possible sites for sludge application on a regional level. This study used spatial multicriteria analysis to assess land suitability for sludge application based on several criteria related to soil, land use characteristics, and environmental legal constraints. The study area comprised two large watersheds (a total area of 52,870 km2) in Minas Gerais state, southeast Brazil. Results indicated a total sludge production of 21,778 t dry solids.year−1, which is currently mainly disposed of in landfills (76%). Even though approximately 52% of the study area presented constraints to sludge application in agricultural fields, suitable areas can receive the total amount of sludge generated. In some cases, the most suitable areas would afford for a capacity 20-fold bigger than the sludge produced. Although other factors should be addressed for effectively applying sludge to agriculture (e.g. social acceptance), this work shows the usefulness of the spatial multicriteria analysis tool to select suitable sites.

Suggested Citation

  • Lucas Almeida Chamhum-Silva & Thiago Bressani-Ribeiro & Lariza Santos Azevedo & Antonio Teixeira Matos & Carlos Augusto Lemos Chernicharo & Cesar Rossas Mota Filho, 2024. "Spatial multicriteria analysis to select suitable sites for sewage sludge use in agriculture: a case study in southeast Brazil," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 26(9), pages 23175-23191, September.
  • Handle: RePEc:spr:endesu:v:26:y:2024:i:9:d:10.1007_s10668-023-03595-1
    DOI: 10.1007/s10668-023-03595-1
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Bertanza, Giorgio & Baroni, Pietro & Canato, Matteo, 2016. "Ranking sewage sludge management strategies by means of Decision Support Systems: A case study," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 110(C), pages 1-15.
    2. Claudia Bruna Rizzardini & Daniele Goi, 2014. "Sustainability of Domestic Sewage Sludge Disposal," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 6(5), pages 1-11, April.
    3. Vito Horvatić & Helena Bakić Begić & Davor Romić & Marko Černe & Smiljana Goreta Ban & Monika Zovko & Marija Romić, 2021. "Evaluation of Land Potential for Use of Biosolids in the Coastal Mediterranean Karst Region," Land, MDPI, vol. 10(10), pages 1-22, October.
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