Historical trends, roles, and future challenges of sewage sludge thermal treatment in Japan

IF 3 4区环境科学与生态学 Q3 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES

Journal of Material Cycles and Waste Management Pub Date : 2025-07-20 DOI:10.1007/s10163-025-02331-3

Masaki Takaoka, Junyeong Yoo, Takaaki Mizuno, Kenichi Sonoda, Atsushi Ueda, Fumiki Hosho, Toyohisa Miyamoto

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

In Japan, almost all sewage sludge is not sent to landfills due to the country’s limited land availability and the need to prevent global warming. Most sludges undergo thermal treatment. Sewage sludge incineration is popular. Recent technological advancements include fluidized bed and step grate stoker incinerators. Energy-saving and recovery technologies have been gradually developed. Currently, sludge thermal drying, melting, carbonization, and gasification are commercially implemented; energy-saving and recycling strategies are steadily progressing. In particular, the conversion of sewage sludge into fuel and fertilizer has increased in recent years. These new technologies enhance energy efficiency, reduce CO₂ emissions, and, notably, decrease N₂O emissions. Each technology and its applications are distinct. Thermal treatments are expected to continue as a measure against organic pollutants in sewage sludge. Continued technological development will contribute to achieving a carbon-neutral society, promoting a circular economy, and ensuring food security.

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日本污水污泥热处理的历史趋势、作用及未来挑战

在日本，由于土地有限和防止全球变暖的需要，几乎所有的污水污泥都不会被送到垃圾填埋场。大多数污泥都经过热处理。污水污泥焚烧很受欢迎。最近的技术进步包括流化床和阶梯炉排焚烧炉。节能和回收技术逐步发展。目前，污泥热干燥、熔融、碳化和气化已商业化实施；节能和循环利用战略稳步推进。特别是近年来，将污水污泥转化为燃料和肥料的情况有所增加。这些新技术提高了能源效率，减少了二氧化碳排放，尤其是减少了一氧化二氮的排放。每种技术及其应用都是不同的。预计热处理将继续作为一种措施，以防止污水污泥中的有机污染物。持续的技术发展将有助于实现碳中和社会、促进循环经济和确保粮食安全。

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来源期刊

Journal of Material Cycles and Waste Management 环境科学-环境科学

CiteScore

5.30

自引率

16.10%

发文量

205

审稿时长

4.8 months

期刊介绍： The Journal of Material Cycles and Waste Management has a twofold focus: research in technical, political, and environmental problems of material cycles and waste management; and information that contributes to the development of an interdisciplinary science of material cycles and waste management. Its aim is to develop solutions and prescriptions for material cycles. The journal publishes original articles, reviews, and invited papers from a wide range of disciplines related to material cycles and waste management. The journal is published in cooperation with the Japan Society of Material Cycles and Waste Management (JSMCWM) and the Korea Society of Waste Management (KSWM).