Pyrolysis of Sewage Sludge: Unlocking the Hidden Potential for Valorization and Carbon Sequestration
Year: 2025
Type: conference-paper
Abstract: Sewage sludge management remains a critical environmental and economic challenge due to high volumes, transport requirements, and landfill restrictions.Pyrolysis offers a promising alternative by reducing sludge mass and producing biochar with potential for soil fertility enhancement and long-term carbon sequestration.This study integrates physicochemical characterization of Portuguese wastewater treatment plant sludges with experimental drying data and literature-based pyrolysis yields to estimate mass reduction, energy requirements, and carbon retention.A simplified life cycle comparison highlights potential reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, human toxicity, and land use, while also suggesting significant economic savings from avoided transport and landfill disposal.
Authors: Miguel Oliveira, Vitor Valente, Amadeu Borges
Institution: University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro
Language: English
Subfield: Biomedical Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
OpenAlex ID: W4417113646