Sewage sludge treatment in Bulgaria : identifying suitable European techniques for improving the Bulgarian model
Krasteva, Monika (2022)
2022
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-202202082230
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-202202082230
Tiivistelmä
In Bulgaria in the period between 2009 and 2018, the outflow of sludge has risen by more than 36%. Despite the established sewer sludge management plans, it is still not disposed of fully and sustainably.
The objective of this thesis was to carry out a literature review of scientific articles, Bulgarian official reports and plans, and suggest how to improve the Bulgarian model through introduction of European good practices.
An important finding in the background research section was that landfilling, agricultural utilization, and vermicomposting are very common disposal methods in Bulgaria. Anaerobic digestion, incineration of sludge and co-incineration of sludge with MSW, as well as pyrolysis were identified as good European practices.
The results show that there were four anaerobic digestion units in Bulgaria in 2017. Incineration and co-incineration is only applied in three cement plants and four co-incinerators. Pyrolysis is still not applied anywhere in Bulgaria. The advantages and disadvantages of the European practices were evaluated through SWOT analysis-like criteria.
Lastly, a conclusion could be drawn that the current treatment techniques should be deeply improved in order to meet the sustainability and disposal demands. As a new treatment technique, it could be advised for the country to invest in a pyrolysis installation, even if it is only on a pilot scale.
The objective of this thesis was to carry out a literature review of scientific articles, Bulgarian official reports and plans, and suggest how to improve the Bulgarian model through introduction of European good practices.
An important finding in the background research section was that landfilling, agricultural utilization, and vermicomposting are very common disposal methods in Bulgaria. Anaerobic digestion, incineration of sludge and co-incineration of sludge with MSW, as well as pyrolysis were identified as good European practices.
The results show that there were four anaerobic digestion units in Bulgaria in 2017. Incineration and co-incineration is only applied in three cement plants and four co-incinerators. Pyrolysis is still not applied anywhere in Bulgaria. The advantages and disadvantages of the European practices were evaluated through SWOT analysis-like criteria.
Lastly, a conclusion could be drawn that the current treatment techniques should be deeply improved in order to meet the sustainability and disposal demands. As a new treatment technique, it could be advised for the country to invest in a pyrolysis installation, even if it is only on a pilot scale.