Circular Sludge

HYBRID WORKSHOP

Circular management of sludge and biosolids

8 November 2024 | Chania, Greece

We announce the hybrid workshop on the current topic of sludge and biosolids management in the circular economy era.

The workshop is held in the framework of our project “Management and valorization of sludge in circular economy using green technologies and methods” and is funded by the Green Fund of Greece.

It is organized by the Laboratory of Environmental Engineering and Management at the School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Crete, led by Asst Prof Alexandros Stefanakis, and it falls under the auspices of the International Ecological Engineering Society.

Objectives

  • To bring together researchers and practitioners to address critical issues in beneficial use of biosolids and their contribution to the UN SDGs.
  • To build on the current experience, address key barriers, and identify new opportunities in the beneficial use of sludge and biosolids.
  • To establish an international group of experts to provide evidence-based information and facilitate the application and regulation of sludge and biosolids in the circular economy.

TOPICS

  • Treatment and processing options to maximise benefits and minimise risks with a focus on such as nature-based solutions, sludge treatment wetlands, composting, biochar, anaerobic digestion, thermal processing, energy recovery, enhanced drying etc.
  • Dealing with contaminants of emerging concern.
  • Advances in microbial degradation of PFAS
  • Identification of technical, environmental, financial, social and regulatory barriers.
  • Balancing regulation with beneficial use.
  • Greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Circular economy and nutrient recycling.
  • Soil health, crop production and environmental benefits.
  • Biosolids of the future.

INVITED SPEAKER

Steen Nielsen is Business and Project Director at WSP Denmark.

Steen has a master’s degree in biology from Copenhagen University where he specialised in microbial ecology and the processes of conversion of organic material and nutrient salts in aerobic and anaerobic zones, especially denitrification. He specialises in Sludge Treatment Reed Beds with a focus on design, dimensioning, operation and emptying with respect to climate, type of sludge and quality.

He has managed design, operation, emptying and handling for municipalities and utilities on more than 80 major projects in Denmark, Sweden, Norway, England, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and Poland.

Steen has been a member of the IWA Group: Wetland Systems for Water Pollution Control since 1990, and a “Member of Honor” of the group since 2022.

He is recognised internationally and has written and co-written more than 30 articles in international publications, travelling and presenting regularly at international conferences. He has led research projects in collaboration with The Danish Environmental Protection Agency, as well as Danish and international universities. Steen’s research and collaborations have resulted in the development of guidelines for establishment, operation and emptying of STRB.

HYBRID WORKSHOP

KEY DATES

Expression of interest for physical attendance and abstract submission: 30 September 2024

We can accommodate a limited number of participants with physical attendance at no cost.

For online attendance (with/without abstract presentation) notify us until 30 September 2024

For more details and arrangements, contact Prof Alexandros Stefanakis (astefanakis@tuc.gr)

VENUE

Arsenali Centre of Chania (i.e., Grand Arsenal) situated in the centre of the Old Venetian Port of Chania on the island of Crete in Greece. It is one of the most impressive monuments at the Old Port of Chania.

The Arsenali Centre of Mediterranean Architecture, in short K.A.M, is an institution administered by the Municipality of Chania. It is housed in a magnificent building called Megalo Neorio, alias Arsenali, which was constructed in 1585 by the Venetians. It had been used as the school of the Christian community in the late 19th century and hosted numerous theater performances (1892), the public hospital (1923) and the Chania Town Hall (1928 – 1941).

Today it has been renovated completely and turned into a stunning space for events and exhibitions.

Scroll to Top