Application of high-intensity static magnetic field as a strategy to enhance the fertilizing potential of sewage sludge digestate

Abstract

Anaerobic digestion (AD) is a sustainable and well-established option to handle sewage sludge (SS), as it generates a methane-rich biogas and a digestate with potential fertilizing properties. In the past, different strategies have been proposed to enhance the valorization of SS. Among these, the application of a static magnetic field (SMF) has been poorly evaluated. This study aims to determine the effects of a high-intensity SMF (1.5 and 2 T) on the chemical composition of SS anaerobic digestate. Several strategies (i.e., number of magnetization cycles, addition of different sources and quantities of magnesium, and digestate aeration) have been applied to evaluate the possible formation of compounds with valuable fertilizing properties in the digestate. Experimental results showed that by combining different strategies promoting digestate exposure to the magnetic field it is possible to favour the reduction in the liquid phase of NH4+, NO3−, PO43−, SO42− and Mg2+ concentrations up to 28%, 38%, 34%, 39% and 31%, respectively. The XRD analyses conducted on the solid phase of the same magnetized digestate samples showed an increase in crystalline and amorphous phases of nitrogen and phosphorus compounds with fertilizing value, such as struvite. These results highlight that SMF application can increase the fertilizing potential of sewage sludge digestate and promote its valorization in a sustainable and circular perspective.