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A CASE STUDY OF IMPLEMENTATION OF CIRCULAR ECONOMY PRINCIPLES TO WASTE MANAGEMENT: INTEGRATED TREATMENT OF CHEESE WHEY AND HI-TECH WASTE

  • Fabiano Asunis - DICAAR, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Architecture, University of Cagliari, Italy
  • Giovanna Cappai - DICAAR, Department of Civil-Environmental Engineering and Architecture, University of Cagliari, Italy - IGAG-CNR, Environmental Geology and Geoengineering Institute of the National Research Council, Italy
  • Alessandra Carucci - DICAAR, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Architecture, University of Cagliari, Italy - IGAG-CNR, Environmental Geology and Geoengineering Institute of the National Research Council, Italy
  • Martina Cera - DICAAR, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Architecture, University of Cagliari, Italy
  • Giorgia De Gioannis - DICAAR, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Architecture, University of Cagliari, Italy - IGAG-CNR, Environmental Geology and Geoengineering Institute of the National Research Council, Italy
  • Gian Piero Deidda - DICAAR, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Architecture, University of Cagliari, Italy
  • Gianluigi Farru - DICAAR, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Architecture, University of Cagliari, Italy
  • Giorgio Massacci - DICAAR, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Architecture, University of Cagliari, Italy - IGAG-CNR, Environmental Geology and Geoengineering Institute of the National Research Council , Italy
  • Aldo Muntoni - DICAAR, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Architecture, University of Cagliari, Italy - IGAG-CNR, Environmental Geology and Geoengineering Institute of the National Research Council , Italy
  • Martina Piredda - DICAAR, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Architecture, University of Cagliari, Italy
  • Angela Serpe - DICAAR, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Architecture, University of Cagliari, Italy - IGAG-CNR, Environmental Geology and Geoengineering Institute of the National Research Council, Italy

DOI 10.31025/2611-4135/2024.19405

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Copyright: © 2024 CISA Publisher

Abstract

In a global context characterized by severe environmental problems and increasing resource scarcity, waste represents both a challenge and an opportunity. This study aims to demonstrate with a real case the potential for optimizing the waste valorization action attainable through the synergic application of different treatments to residues of equally different nature and origin. In particular, bio-chemical (dark fermentation), chemical-physical (selective leaching) and thermo-chemical (hydrothermal carbonization) treatments were applied for the integrated valorization of whey from sheep cheese production and Hi-Tech waste (discarded electrical and electronic equipment). The treatments were applied at a laboratory scale on real samples of these residues. The organic acids used for selective leaching of valuable metals from Hi-Tech waste were obtained by dark fermentation of the cheese whey, while hydrothermal carbonization was used to convert the waste from previous stages into hydrochar feasible as solid fuel or soil improver. The dark fermentation tests have highlighted the possibility of recovering ≈ 100 g of organic acids from 1 L of whey; furthermore, it is also possible to recover bio-hydrogen depending on the operating conditions applied and the type of targeted organic acids. The leaching tests have demonstrated how the organic acids from whey fermentation have selective and quantitative mobilization capacities comparable to those of the same acids available on the market. The carbonization tests produced carbon-enriched hydrochar with promising fuel properties, as well as process waters suitable for anaerobic digestion with methane production. The results of the project led to the filing of an international patent.

Keywords

Editorial History

  • Received: 11 Apr 2024
  • Revised: 15 Jun 2024
  • Accepted: 12 Jul 2024
  • Available online: 06 Sep 2024

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