A Review of New Technological Applications in the Use of Sewage Sludge for Sustainable Agriculture

Şeyma Akkurt

doi:10.31015/2025.si.30

A Review of New Technological Applications in the Use of Sewage Sludge for Sustainable Agriculture

Abstract

Sewage sludge from wastewater treatment plants is an important alternative to chemical fertilizers for agricultural use due to its nutrient-rich structure and organic matter content. However, the presence of toxic components (heavy metals, pathogens and persistent organic pollutants) in sewage sludge limits its direct use due to health and environmental risks. Thus, safe processing and effective management techniques are necessary for sludge reuse in agriculture in a sustainable manner. This review examines recent technological advancements that enhance the safe and efficient use of sewage sludge in agriculture. Emphasis is placed on innovative treatment and stabilization methods, such as thermal hydrolysis, anaerobic digestion, and biochar production, which improve nutrient recovery and reduce pathogen and heavy metal risks. Machine learning algorithms are being employed for the real-time prediction of heavy metal concentrations and the overall ecological risk associated with land application. Furthermore, Artificial intelligence (AI) driven soft sensors and optimization models are crucial for controlling operational parameters like sludge retention time, improving process efficiency, and ensuring the final product meets stringent regulatory standards for biosolid application. Ultimately, this review underscores that moving beyond conventional sludge disposal requires integrating cutting-edge recovery technologies with AI-based predictive and control systems to realize a true circular bioeconomy in sludge management.

Keywords

Agriculture, Artificial Intelligence, Environmental Risk, Machine Learning, Sewage Sludge, Sustainability, Wastewater Treatment Plants

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Environmental Rehabilitation and Restoration

Journal Section

Review Article

Authors

Şeyma Akkurt ^*
0000-0002-0135-1975
Türkiye

Publication Date

December 28, 2025

Submission Date

October 21, 2025

Acceptance Date

December 5, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2025 Volume: 9 Number: Special

DOI

https://doi.org/10.31015/2025.si.30

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA68EX99GU

APA

Akkurt, Ş. (2025). A Review of New Technological Applications in the Use of Sewage Sludge for Sustainable Agriculture. International Journal of Agriculture Environment and Food Sciences, 9(Special), 307-320. https://doi.org/10.31015/2025.si.30

AMA

1.Akkurt Ş. A Review of New Technological Applications in the Use of Sewage Sludge for Sustainable Agriculture. int. j. agric. environ. food sci. 2025;9(Special):307-320. doi:10.31015/2025.si.30

Chicago

Akkurt, Şeyma. 2025. “A Review of New Technological Applications in the Use of Sewage Sludge for Sustainable Agriculture”. International Journal of Agriculture Environment and Food Sciences 9 (Special): 307-20. https://doi.org/10.31015/2025.si.30.

EndNote

Akkurt Ş (December 1, 2025) A Review of New Technological Applications in the Use of Sewage Sludge for Sustainable Agriculture. International Journal of Agriculture Environment and Food Sciences 9 Special 307–320.

IEEE

[1]Ş. Akkurt, “A Review of New Technological Applications in the Use of Sewage Sludge for Sustainable Agriculture”, int. j. agric. environ. food sci., vol. 9, no. Special, pp. 307–320, Dec. 2025, doi: 10.31015/2025.si.30.

ISNAD

Akkurt, Şeyma. “A Review of New Technological Applications in the Use of Sewage Sludge for Sustainable Agriculture”. International Journal of Agriculture Environment and Food Sciences 9/Special (December 1, 2025): 307-320. https://doi.org/10.31015/2025.si.30.

JAMA

1.Akkurt Ş. A Review of New Technological Applications in the Use of Sewage Sludge for Sustainable Agriculture. int. j. agric. environ. food sci. 2025;9:307–320.

MLA

Akkurt, Şeyma. “A Review of New Technological Applications in the Use of Sewage Sludge for Sustainable Agriculture”. International Journal of Agriculture Environment and Food Sciences, vol. 9, no. Special, Dec. 2025, pp. 307-20, doi:10.31015/2025.si.30.

Vancouver

1.Şeyma Akkurt. A Review of New Technological Applications in the Use of Sewage Sludge for Sustainable Agriculture. int. j. agric. environ. food sci. 2025 Dec. 1;9(Special):307-20. doi:10.31015/2025.si.30

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A Review of New Technological Applications in the Use of Sewage Sludge for Sustainable Agriculture

A Review of New Technological Applications in the Use of Sewage Sludge for Sustainable Agriculture

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