Perspectives of Using Sewage Sludge Char in CO2 Sequestration on Degraded and Brownfield Sites

Abstract

One of the greatest challenges humankind currently faces is global warming, mainly caused by greenhouse gas emissions. Here we have attempted to show how thermal conversion products, specifically from the pyrolysis of biomass wastes such as sewage sludge, can be used effectively and equivalently to sequester CO2 in brownfield and degraded areas. Scenarios were devised that showed the significant potential for CO2 sequestration in the form of biochar from sewage sludge deposited on degraded and brownfield areas. With the current amount of sludge production, such sludge could even be used in its entirety as a raw material in pyrolysis processes, where, in addition to the biochar, the heat necessary for drying the sludge could be generated and high-energy gas and liquid fractions could be obtained, which could be used to produce alternative fuels. It is therefore important to consider both the potential for CO2 sequestration on degraded and brownfield sites and the potential for sludge disposal in Europe as viable options for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable waste management practices.