Renata Tomczak-Wandzel
Research Subjects
Renata Tomczak-Wandzel has a total of 4 co-authors. Here are the top co-authors by number of shared publications:
- Beata Szatkowska
Aquateam COWI AS, Karvesvingen 2, Oslo 0579, Norway
1 shared publication - Joanna Kalka
Environmental Biotechnology Department, Faculty of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Silesian University of Technology, Akademicka 2A, Gliwice, 44-100, Poland.
1 shared publication - Piotr Cichy
Silesian University of Technology, Faculty of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Department of Environmental Biotechnology, 2A Akademicka St., 44-100, Gliwice, Poland
1 shared publication - Ravi Shankar Yadav
State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resources and Environment, School of Environment, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China
1 shared publication
Latest Publications
- Open Access
- 19 July 2024
- Published by MDPI AG in Sustainability
- Vol. 16 (14) , 6171
Closing the Loop: Can Anaerobic Digestates from Food Waste Be Universal Source of Nutrients for Plant Growth?
Reducing waste production and improving waste treatment are key objectives in the EU’s Circular Economy Action Plan. Anaerobic digestion of food waste is a promising method, but safely disposing of its by-products, which contain valuable nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and organic matter, remains a challenge. These nutrients suggest potential use in agriculture to enhance sustainability, yet their effects on plant growth need thorough understanding. This study investigated the impact of liquid digestates from anaerobic digestion of food waste, combined with fish sludge (from recirculated aquaculture systems), on plant growth (Lepidium sativum and Triticum aestivum) through direct soil tests. The content of biogenic elements in the digestates did not differ and was 0.32% for N, <0.05% for P, and 0.15% for K. Two tests were conducted, both using artificial soil prepared to OECD 207 standards: the Phytotoxkit™ test (ISO 18763:2016) and a pot experiment (OECD 208). Results showed that digestates initially delayed germination and hindered early plant growth, an effect that diminished over time. This may be due to the high organic matter content of digestates, similar to standard fertilizers like manure or compost. Pre-incubating digestates in soil before application, similar to common agricultural practices with soil amendments, is suggested as a potential solution.
- 19 July 2024
- Published by MDPI AG in Sustainability
- Vol. 16 (14) , 6171
Open AccessClosing the Loop: Can Anaerobic Digestates from Food Waste Be Universal Source of Nutrients for Plant Growth?
Reducing waste production and improving waste treatment are key objectives in the EU’s Circular Economy Action Plan. Anaerobic digestion of food waste is a promising method, but safely disposing of its by-products, which contain valuable nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and organic matter, remains a challenge. These nutrients suggest potential use in agriculture to enhance sustainability, yet their effects on plant growth need thorough understanding. This study investigated the impact of liquid digestates from anaerobic digestion of food waste, combined with fish sludge (from recirculated aquaculture systems), on plant growth (Lepidium sativum and Triticum aestivum) through direct soil tests. The content of biogenic elements in the digestates did not differ and was 0.32% for N, <0.05% for P, and 0.15% for K. Two tests were conducted, both using artificial soil prepared to OECD 207 standards: the Phytotoxkit™ test (ISO 18763:2016) and a pot experiment (OECD 208). Results showed that digestates initially delayed germination and hindered early plant growth, an effect that diminished over time. This may be due to the high organic matter content of digestates, similar to standard fertilizers like manure or compost. Pre-incubating digestates in soil before application, similar to common agricultural practices with soil amendments, is suggested as a potential solution.