Digestate, a byproduct of anaerobic digestion, is increasingly recognized as a sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers. Research shows it can enhance soil microbial biomass, nutrient availability, and plant performance without harming soil quality. However, untreated or poorly monitored digestates may contain contaminants—especially heavy metals—that pose environmental and health risks. While they can promote beneficial soil bacteria, strict quality control and post-treatment are essential. This review highlights their potential as fertilizers and soil enhancers, emphasizing the need for stronger regulations, particularly in regions like Latin America.
Valorization-of-digestates-from-organic-solid-waste-as-fertilizers.pdf
Paper
Written by Maria Loizidou
Maria obtained her PhD in chemical engineering focusing on the field of environmental protection at the University of London. She followed an academic career being Professor at the School of Chemical Engineering of the National Technical University of Athens and Head of Unit of Environmental Science & Technology with great achievements and distinctions.
Her efforts are continuous in the field of the environmental protection and human health, enhancing education, innovation and research technology. Her research focuses on circular economy and the effective management of solid waste, wastewater, water resources and brine. She has been scientific responsible for more than 200 environmental projects supporting competent authorities, municipalities and others (http://www.uest.gr/index.php/projects). She has more than 600 publications in international scientific journals (http://www.uest.gr/index.php/publications) and conferences and more than 13,500 citations.
Prof. Loizidou is the Head of WtERT-Greece since January 2020. She has also won the first Green AWARD with the LIFE SOL-BRINE project that was voted as the best LIFE ENVIRONMENT project for the period 1992-2017 among more than 4,000 LIFE projects from all over Europe.
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