Assessment of management techniques for high-production organic waste

Abstract

Residues could be transformed into new products following the concept of the circular economy. Thus, biosolids and discarded marine biomass are two biodegradable wastes of high volume of production that can be converted into valuable products. Biosolids from sewage treatment plants could be used as organic fertilizer in agriculture, although the presence of harmful compounds may restrict their application. On the other hand, discarded marine biomass could be valorised either through bulk process or through the extraction of high-added value compounds, with a different economic benefit and environmental profile. In this context, this thesis analyses the impacts on human health and on the environment of these waste management options that valorise biodegradable residues of high-production-volume.