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Characterization of Phosphorus Recovered from Sewage Sludge Ash: A Brazil Case Study

Author

Listed:
  • João B. Garcia

    (Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Sorocaba 18087-180, SP, Brazil)

  • Rafael S. Lima

    (Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Sorocaba 18087-180, SP, Brazil)

  • Pedro R. Resende

    (CEFT—Transport Phenomena Research Center, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculdade de Engenharia, Universidade do Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
    proMetheus, Escola Superior de Tecnologia e Gestão, Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo, 4900-347 Viana do Castelo, Portugal)

  • André H. Rosa

    (Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Sorocaba 18087-180, SP, Brazil)

  • Alexandre M. Afonso

    (CEFT—Transport Phenomena Research Center, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculdade de Engenharia, Universidade do Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal)

  • Leandro C. Morais

    (Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Sorocaba 18087-180, SP, Brazil)

Abstract

The lack of interest in the reuse of phosphorus in agriculture is mainly due to the high abundance of pathogens, organic pollutants, microplastics, and possibly toxic metals. Therefore, different forms of treatment are necessary to take advantage of phosphorus recovery potential, one of which is the use of ash from incinerated/calcined biological sludge. A high rate of conversion of the non-apatite inorganic phosphorus fraction into apatite phosphorus was obtained in this study because of the use of commercially pure CaO additive in the dry sludge calcination tests, which is more bioavailable to plants. The obtained phosphorus pentoxide content ranged from 12 to 17%, surpassing several phosphorus-based raw materials and fertilizers. In addition, the ashes have been shown to contain toxic metals far below those recommended by Brazilian and international environmental legislation, so they can be applied directly to the soil for crop fertilization, or be used in P extraction and separation technologies for fertilizer production.

Suggested Citation

  • João B. Garcia & Rafael S. Lima & Pedro R. Resende & André H. Rosa & Alexandre M. Afonso & Leandro C. Morais, 2026. "Characterization of Phosphorus Recovered from Sewage Sludge Ash: A Brazil Case Study," Resources, MDPI, vol. 15(2), pages 1-21, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jresou:v:15:y:2026:i:2:p:22-:d:1852682
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