PSA B2 SOTA
Contents
State of the art and innovative aspects of the project
Provide a description of the state of the art of the technique or method addressed. Elaborate on the technical description of the processes or methods and/or proposed innovation(s), new elements, improvements. Describe the previous research and experience carried out in preparation for the project implementation, including feasibility studies. Please take into account that the innovative nature of the proposed actions can be evaluated from different perspectives: a) relative to the technologies applied by the project (technological innovation), b) relative to the way technologies are implemented (innovation in processes or methods) and, c) concerning the business and economic models developed by the project (economic and business innovation). These different dimensions of the innovatory nature have to be compared with the state of the art at global (world) level. N.B. Geographical technology or practice transfer alone (without a genuine development of innovative character) can not be considered as innovative. Equally, projects which involve pure research and development or merely preparatory activities (studies, surveys, etc) can not be considered innovative per se.
description of the state of the art of the technique or method addressed
The promotion of waste minimisation and recycling are important components of modern waste management strategies.
The most cost-effective method has been reported as anaerobic digestion.
Anaerobic co-digestion of the organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) and sewage sludge is a sustainable and an appropriate treatment alternative due to bioenergy and nutrient recovery while combining the treatment of two largest municipal waste streams. By co-digestion, volume of the organic wastes is reduced and stabilized, a residue that can be used for soil conditioning is produced, and energy in the form of methane is recovered.
Sludge occurring at municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) is considered as one of the most appropriate co-substrates for co-digestion with the OFMSW. With the large amount of sewage sludge produced in WWTPs and the large number of existing anaerobic digesters to stabilize it, the anaerobic co-digestion of OFMSW with sewage sludge is especially attractive.
co-fermentation of biowastes in WWTP may affect plant operational performance in terms of degree of degradation, gas production, drainability, and backload.
dilution of potential toxic compounds, improved balance of nutrients, and synergistic effect of microorganisms are the other benefits of co-digestion including hygienic stabilization if process is operated under thermophilic conditions.
Summarizing:
- anaerobic co-digestion of sewage sludge and OF-MSW is a well-known process;
- it is considered a preferable choice;
- apparently there are not major drawbacks
So why isn't COWS-like projects on every WWTP and MSW manager?
The main reason is that all pieces exist, but have not been put together in a lean way.
