Summary
This 2021 review examines thermochemical treatment of sewage sludge with particular focus on trace metal vaporisation behaviour and phosphorus recovery potential. The authors synthesise published findings on how thermal processes affect trace element speciation and volatilisation, and discuss implications for safe nutrient recovery and reuse in agricultural contexts. The work addresses a key tension between resource recovery (phosphorus) and contaminant control (trace metals) in sludge valorisation.
UK applicability
Directly relevant to UK policy on sludge reuse and the circular economy, particularly as regulations on sewage sludge application to land become stricter. Findings inform risk assessment frameworks for products derived from treated sludge intended for agricultural use.
Key measures
Trace metal vaporisation rates; phosphorus recovery efficiency; contaminant mobility during thermal treatment processes
Outcomes reported
This review synthesises evidence on the behaviour of trace metal elements during thermochemical processing of sewage sludge and the potential for phosphorus recovery as a soil amendment or fertiliser product.
Topic tags
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