Valorization of pressmud waste through hydrothermal treatment for energy conversion and liquid organic fertilizer development
Keywords:
hydrothermal treatment, pressmud, potassium, phosphate, hydrocharAbstract
Pressmud, a by-product of the sugar industry, contains significant amounts of potassium (K) and phosphate (P) but remains underutilized, leading to waste management and environmental concerns. This study investigates the potential of hydrothermal treatment (HT) to enhance the solubility of K and P for pressmud while assessing its influence on the energy characteristics of the resulting hydrochar. HT was conducted at 180oC, 200oC, and 220oC under non-catalytic and zeolite-catalyzed conditions. The liquid fraction was analyzed for K and P concentrations using a photometer, while the hydrochar was evaluated for calorific value and proximate composition. The optimum treatment condition was achieved at 220oC without zeolite, yielding the highest K and P solubilities of 1200 ppm and 1790 ppm, respectively. The presence of zeolite decreased solubility due to its ability to adsorb nutrients. Higher nutrient concentrations were positively correlated with increased calorific value and fixed carbon content, with a maximum value of 2047.56 cal/g. These findings demonstrate that hydrothermal treatment is an effective strategy for nutrient recovery and energy enhancement from pressmud waste, supporting its valorization toward renewable energy production and sustainable fertilizer development.
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