For a lot of residual streams, affordable and environmental friendly re-users are not always immediately available. This is why Avans is looking for regional parties for the re-use of these residual streams, can help solve legal issues and/or can contribute to a circular solution. Relevant experts from Avans and other educational institutions, market parties and students are involved in the elaboration of these solutions.
Case study 1: Application of water treatment sludge
Large quantities of water (primarily washing water and process water) are used in processing potatoes into final products. Washing and process water that is not re-used is treated in a waste water treatment unit. The sludge is transported to a sludge incineration facility where it is incinerated, however, this is not perceived as a fully sustainable route, especially because it could potentially be used soil improver in the agricultural sector. The application of agro-industrial sludge from the potato industry in arable farming is not feasible at the present time because of the restrictions in requirements in current national legislation regarding various contaminants, including heavy metals. What are the options for making sludge suitable for agricultural application?
Research is being carried out into the possibilities/technologies for removing heavy metals from sludge, or reducing their levels, so that it is suitable for application.
Case study 2: Valorisation of lemon residues
Lemons are used for the production of limoncello, but in many cases only the yellow peel of the lemon is needed. The leftovers are residual material for which it is not always easy to find a good application.
Research is therefore being carried out on how the remaining parts of the lemon can be used regionally in existing or new products in such a way that the complete residual is being valorised.
20200901 until 20210901
