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A GIS-Based Model to Assess the Potential of Wastewater Treatment Plants for Enhancing Bioenergy Production within the Context of the Water–Energy Nexus

Author

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  • Francesca Valenti

    (Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 100, 95123 Catania, Italy)

  • Attilio Toscano

    (Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Bologna, Viale Giuseppe Fanin 50, 40127 Bologna, Italy)

Abstract

The necessity of developing renewable energy sources has contributed to increasing interest in developing the anaerobic digestion for producing biomethane since it both provides green energy and reduces disposal treatment. In this regard, to assure efficient water utilization by finding alternative water sources, sewage sludge collected from the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) was recently investigated because it could represent a suitable resource for producing biomethane within the context of a circular economy. Therefore, this study aims at improving the current knowledge on the feasibility of biomethane production from sewage sludge by optimizing the logistic-supplying phase. In this regard, a GIS-based model was developed and applied to the Emilia-Romagna region to consider the existing networks of WWTPs and biogas systems to valorize sewage sludge for bioenergy production and minimizing environmental impact. The results of the GIS analyses allowed to localize the highest productive territorial areas and highlighted where sewage sludges are abundantly located and could be better exploited within agricultural biogas plants. Finally, the achieved results could help plan suitable policy interventions that are centered on biomass supply and outputs diversification, governance, and social participation, since the regulatory framework could play a crucial role in planning the reuse of these wastes for developing a more sustainable biomethane sector in line with the green economy goals.

Suggested Citation

  • Francesca Valenti & Attilio Toscano, 2021. "A GIS-Based Model to Assess the Potential of Wastewater Treatment Plants for Enhancing Bioenergy Production within the Context of the Water–Energy Nexus," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(10), pages 1-15, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:14:y:2021:i:10:p:2838-:d:554948
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Giuseppe Mancuso & Monica C. M. Parlato & Stevo Lavrnić & Attilio Toscano & Francesca Valenti, 2022. "GIS-Based Assessment of the Potential for Treated Wastewater Reuse in Agricultural Irrigation: A Case Study in Northern Italy," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(15), pages 1-17, July.
    2. Bartosz Szeląg & Szymon Sobura & Renata Stoińska, 2023. "Application of Multispectral Images from Unmanned Aerial Vehicles to Analyze Operations of a Wastewater Treatment Plant," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(6), pages 1-18, March.
    3. Andrey Kiselev & Elena Magaril & Deborah Panepinto & Elena Cristina Rada & Marco Ravina & Maria Chiara Zanetti, 2021. "Sustainable Energy Management Benchmark at Wastewater Treatment Plant," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(22), pages 1-11, November.
    4. Radu Petrariu & Marius Constantin & Mihai Dinu & Simona Roxana Pătărlăgeanu & Mădălina Elena Deaconu, 2021. "Water, Energy, Food, Waste Nexus: Between Synergy and Trade-Offs in Romania Based on Entrepreneurship and Economic Performance," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(16), pages 1-23, August.
    5. Akca, Mehmet Sadik & Sarikaya, Omer Visali & Doker, Mehmet Fatih & Ocak, Fatih & Kirlangicoglu, Cem & Karaaslan, Yakup & Satoglu, Sule Itir & Altinbas, Mahmut, 2023. "A detailed GIS based assessment of bioenergy plant locations using location-allocation algorithm," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 352(C).

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