Fly ash and zero-valent iron-based in situ advanced anaerobic digestion with emphasis on the removal of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance genes from sewage sludge

Impact of temperature and residence time on sewage sludge pyrolysis for combined carbon sequestration and energy production

“…Additionally, biochar originated from sewage sludge had a low risk of soil and groundwater contamination and can be safely used for agricultural applications [ 134 ]. Pyrolysis, among other processes [ 143 ], was also reported to destroy the DNA and accordingly eliminate antibiotic resistance genes and mobile genetic elements present in feedstock and consequently no impact is expected neither on the abundance of antibiotic resistance genes nor on microbial community in soils amended with biochar [ 144 ].Sludge pyrolysis at high temperatures is favorable since produced biochar has more stable organic matter structure compared with biochar produced at lower temperatures [ 145 ]. Biochar application to soil was also reported to enhance mineral content (ash content), which can provide significant agronomic benefits [ 146 ].…”