Title:
Anaerobic Digestate Exploitation from Biogas Plants Originated in Western Macedonia
Author(s):
Proskynitopoulou, V., Lorentzou, S., Plakas, K., Lampropoulos, A., Varvoutis, G., Kardaras, G., Sakellariou, K., Kafasis, P., Papista, E., Ntavos, N., Vourros, A., Garagounis, I., Dimopoulos-Toursidis, P., Panopoulos, K.D.
Document(s):
Paper
Poster
Abstract:
The application of digestate as fertilizer in agriculture is one of the simplest management solutions to avoid or minimize negative environmental impacts and improve the economic sustainability of biogas production. However, raw digestate use can increase acidification and eutrophication; cause phytotoxic accumulation of micronutrients; decrease worm populations of soil; affect significantly air and water quality. Additionally, pharmaceutical compounds (antibiotics) from animal farming can end up in plant tissues. Unfortunately, post-processing of digestate is not viable for small-scale, decentralized biogas plants, as it requires high installation costs and energy consuming processes. In this context, finding a viable solution for digestate is critical in ensuring nutrients are fully recovered and circular economy practice is established. The developed compact, modular, technology of NOMAD project provides a robust, cost-effective solution that mitigates the risks and challenges associated with digestate, while creating new revenue streams from easy-to-use organic fertilizers and soil amenders, adapted to specific local soil conditions. The present work provides a preliminary quantitative evaluation of the sustainability of the developed system by comparing 4 scenarios reflecting different fertilizer application options. The results demonstrate that the NOMAD technology increases mineral resource availability (in relation to raw digestate) and eliminates the negative environmental impacts of chemical fertilizers use.
Keywords:
digestate, circular economy, nutrient recovery, western macedonia
Topic:
Sustainable Resources for Decarbonising the Economy
Subtopic:
Municipal and industrial wastes
Event:
31st European Biomass Conference and Exhibition
Session:
1CV.2.14
Pages:
168 - 172
ISBN:
978-88-89407-23-3
Paper DOI:
10.5071/31stEUBCE2023-1CV.2.14
Price:
FREE
