Research papers of the week – January 30, 2023

Dawid Skrzypczak; Krzysztof Trzaska; Katarzyna Mikuła; Filip Gil; Grzegorz Izydorczyk; Małgorzata M. Mironiuk; Xymena Połomska; Konstantinos Moustakas; Anna Witek-Krowiak; Katarzyna Chojnacka

Renewable Energy

Ministerial score = 140.0
Journal Impact Factor (2023) = 8.634 (Q1)

This research paper presents a zero-waste method for preparing a fertilizer based on digestate from food residues. The waste was treated with a mixture of inorganic acids (sulfuric acid and phosphoric acid). The process allowed for sanitization with simultaneous production of free amino acids and short peptides. In preliminary studies, the effect of the order of addition of components (digestate hydrolysate, ash from incineration of sewage sludge) on nitrogen loss was observed during the neutralization/granulation process. The slow addition of ash to the hydrolysate minimizes nitrogen loss (0.6 g N/kg fertilizer) six times compared to the reverse order. Based on the optimal conditions, a large-scale fertilizer was produced, meeting the quality requirements of the EU Regulation for solid inorganic macronutrient fertilizer - PFC 1(C)(I)(a)(i). The physicochemical properties of the final fertilizer were investigated: microbiological analysis, granule strength tests, and bioavailability and leachability of nutrients in extraction tests. The effectiveness of the fertilizer was confirmed in 30-day pot tests, with results similar to those of the mineral fertilizer. The fertilizer obtained can be a substitute for traditional mineral fertilizers, which is a promising solution in the situation of rising natural gas prices and the availability of fossil raw materials.

DOI:10.1016/j.renene.2022.12.080

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