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Heavy Metal Control and Dry Matter Assessment in Digested Sewage Sludge for Biogas Production

Author

Listed:
  • Krzysztof Michalski

    (AQUA S.A., ul. 1 Maja 23, 43-300 Bielsko-Biała, Poland)

  • Magdalena Kóska-Wolny

    (AQUA S.A., ul. 1 Maja 23, 43-300 Bielsko-Biała, Poland
    College of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Economics and Humanities, ul. gen. Wł. Sikorskiego 4-4c, 43-300 Bielsko-Biała, Poland)

  • Krzysztof Chmielowski

    (Department of Natural Gas Engineering, Faculty of Drilling, Oil and Gas, AGH University of Science and Technology, Al. Mickiewicza 30, 30-059 Kraków, Poland)

  • Michał Gąsiorek

    (Department of Soil Science and Agrophysics, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Al. Mickiewicza 21, 31-120 Kraków, Poland)

  • Klaudiusz Grübel

    (Department of Environmental Protection and Engineering, University of Bielsko-Biala, ul. Willowa 2, 43-309 Bielsko-Biała, Poland)

  • Konrad Kalarus

    (Institute of Technology and Life Sciences, National Research Institute, Falenty, Al. Hrabska 3, 05-090 Raszyn, Poland)

  • Wiktor Halecki

    (Institute of Technology and Life Sciences, National Research Institute, Falenty, Al. Hrabska 3, 05-090 Raszyn, Poland)

Abstract

The expansion of sewage networks and treatment facilities results in considerable amounts of municipal sludge, which is essential for biogas production as part of energy diversification efforts. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) demonstrated a strong correlation between biogas production and its utilization in power generation units. Modernization efforts led to an increase in biogas utilization in power units but a decrease in boiler utilization, independent of the overall biogas production levels. The general linear model (GLM) further confirmed that biogas production was positively influenced by the amount of waste digested, while utilization in power units increased post modernization. A repeated measures ANOVA (Analysis of Variance) indicated significant increases in both dry matter and mineral content in digested sludge compared to raw sludge. SIMPER (Similarity Percentage) analysis revealed that the addition of glycerin water significantly reduced the nitrogen, ammonium nitrogen, and calcium content, while modernization increased these elements and slightly decreased the magnesium concentration. Multivariate dispersion analysis showed that samples treated with glycerin water exhibited less variability in metal content. Regression models explored the factors influencing mineral elements and dry mass in fermented sludge. The zinc content was positively associated with mineral content, while copper showed a negative correlation. The addition of glycerin water increased the mineral content, whereas modernization had the opposite effect. The nitrogen content was negatively correlated with dry mass. These findings provide valuable insights into optimizing sewage sludge treatment and biogas production processes by underlining the approaches for enhancing sludge properties to support efficient biogas production.

Suggested Citation

  • Krzysztof Michalski & Magdalena Kóska-Wolny & Krzysztof Chmielowski & Michał Gąsiorek & Klaudiusz Grübel & Konrad Kalarus & Wiktor Halecki, 2025. "Heavy Metal Control and Dry Matter Assessment in Digested Sewage Sludge for Biogas Production," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(10), pages 1-20, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:10:p:2644-:d:1660163
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Krzysztof Michalski & Magdalena Kośka-Wolny & Krzysztof Chmielowski & Dawid Bedla & Agnieszka Petryk & Paweł Guzdek & Katarzyna Anna Dąbek & Michał Gąsiorek & Klaudiusz Grübel & Wiktor Halecki, 2024. "Examining the Potential of Biogas: A Pathway from Post-Fermented Waste into Energy in a Wastewater Treatment Plant," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(22), pages 1-18, November.
    2. Marti J. Anderson, 2006. "Distance-Based Tests for Homogeneity of Multivariate Dispersions," Biometrics, The International Biometric Society, vol. 62(1), pages 245-253, March.
    3. Zhou, Shengdong & Bai, Zhang & Li, Qi & Yuan, Yu & Wang, Shuoshuo, 2024. "Potential of applying the thermochemical recuperation in combined cooling, heating and power generation: Optimized recuperation regulation with syngas storage," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 353(PB).
    4. Sina Shaddel & Hamidreza Bakhtiary-Davijany & Christian Kabbe & Farbod Dadgar & Stein W. Østerhus, 2019. "Sustainable Sewage Sludge Management: From Current Practices to Emerging Nutrient Recovery Technologies," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(12), pages 1-12, June.
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