The Danish EPA gives green light for application of biochar from sewage sludge for use in farming: Biochar from sewage sludge can now be used as a fertilizer.
The EBI calls on the EU Commission to include biochar from sewage sludge in the EU Fertilizer Regulation as an important step towards a safe and sustainable circular economy and agriculture.
Standard hygienization of sewage sludge e.g., heating of the sludge to 70°C, does not eliminate spores, pyrogens or pathogens.
Pyrolysis eliminates micropollutants from sewage sludge.
Evidence from the US EPA Office of Research and Development work with Bioforcetech’s commercially installed PYREG pyrolysis plant shows that pyrolysis at 600°C for 10 minutes and combustion of pyrolysis gases at 850°C eliminate PFAS from sewage sludge.
Pyrolysis eliminates microplastics from sewage sludgeResearch indicates that sewage sludge is a sink for microplastics and further handling of sewage sludge is critical for potential dispersal.
The phosphorus present in the feedstock is retained in the pyrolysis char. Phosphorus must be recovered from sewage sludge in more and more EU member states so that fields can be fertilized with this recycled phosphorus in the future.