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The role of micro-aeration-based processes for the valorisation of polluted sludge to value-added chemicals

Project description

Micro-aeration: breathing new life into sewage sludge

During wastewater treatment, almost all the water is purified and discharged. The residual semi-solid material that remains (i.e. sludge) is primarily non-toxic organic matter that can be used for the production of chemicals and energy carriers. Macronutrients and micronutrients in the sludge including nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium and iron also make sludge an excellent eco-friendly fertiliser. However, valorisation of sludge is complicated by the growing list and quantity of contaminants it contains – and our inability to remove them. With the support of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the OXYCON project will use micro-aeration prior to conventional anaerobic fermentation/digestion to improve the degradation of selected organic micropollutants, removal of heavy metals and biotransformation of organic matter.

Coordinator

KATHOLIEKE UNIVERSITEIT LEUVEN
Net EU contribution
€ 191 760,00
Address
Oude Markt 13
3000 Leuven
Belgium

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Region
Vlaams Gewest Prov. Vlaams-Brabant Arr. Leuven
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
Other funding
No data