The application of biomass ashes in sewage sludge management – a SWOT analysis
Biomass plays an important role amongst renewable energy sources and for this reason, it is sometimes called as “future fuel”. According to different statistics, the share of biomass in renewable energy production is in excess of 50% and rising. The main disadvantage of biomass combustion in power plants is the production of combustion by-products, namely fly and bottom ash. In line with the sustainable development and waste hierarchy, biomass combustion by-products should be managed in different sectors of economy. Due to the specific properties, biomass ash might be applied as an effective reagent in sewage sludge management. This article shows the SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) associated with the use of biomass combustion by-products in sewage sludge treatment. The presented analysis could constitute the initial stage in implementation of new method in a big way in treatment plants.