Life cycle assessment approach to sustainable sewage sludge management for water pollution control

Abstract

Increase in population growth coupled with industrialization, urbanization and requirements for implementation of stricter effluent discharge standards, sludge from wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) is expected to be produced in a continually increasing amount globally. The management of the huge volume of sludge generation becomes an integral component of environmental sustainability. Therefore, the need for environmentally friendly approach to sludge management strategy couldn’t be overemphasized. This paper proposes a rational and more sustainable approach directed towards devising means to solve the problem of the huge amount of WWTPs sludge by converting it to granular activated carbon (GAC) for utilization in water pollution control via incorporating Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). The paper reviews the various approaches and techniques for drying, pyrolysis and activation techniques and the best operating conditions for sludge based activated carbon (SBAC) for optimal pollution control. Based on that, a holistic decision making tool was recommended which incorporates major production, treatment and disposal options for each stage using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) approach (from-cradle-to-grave), from which wide range of alternative scenarios will be generated vis-à-vis water pollution control efficacy in relation to environmental, cost as well as energy implications.