Actors' perspectives on barriers to the use of sewage sludge in Sweden

Dados Bibliográficos

ID21697331
AutoresOskar Johansson (0000-0002-4687-3945, a Lulea University of Technology Department of Social Sciences Technology and Arts, Lulea, Sweden, autor correspondente), Maria Pettersson (0000-0003-0767-4908, b Lulea University of Technology, Lulea, Sweden), Torben Bauer (0000-0002-8758-2079, c LUMIRE, Lulea, Sweden)
Ano2024
Volume26
Fascículo4
Páginas395-409
Data de publicação2024-04-01
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessSim
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoWater Policy (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 1366-7017 • E-ISSN: 1996-9759
EditoraIWA Publishing (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.2166/wp.2024.224
OpenAlexW4393200674
IdiomaEN
Citações recebidas1
Referências citadas29

Land application of sewage sludge has long been subject to concern. Among the reasons for these concerns are, for example, the occurrence of odours and the risk of spreading heavy metals and pathogens, but also a negative perception regarding the use of sludge. In this paper, we focus on the actors' perceptions of sewage sludge use and investigate, through a series of interviews with key actors and stakeholders in the sewage sludge management chain, how technology, the regulatory framework or public perception may function as barriers to valuing sewage sludge as a resource. The uncertainty following outdated legislation and constantly changing policies are frequently mentioned as the main barriers to investment in new technologies, which, in the respondents' opinion, creates a deadlock within the sector with no clear path forward. Although all respondents act and argue with a focus on environment and circularity, their overall sludge management strategies, as well as the issues they focus on, differ. Our study indicates that Swedish sludge management is, to a large extent, siloed and there is a clear need for a more holistic approach that can help actors to target common issues

Business · Environmental planning · Legislation · Perception · Political science · Sewage · Sewage sludge · Waste management · Engineering · Environmental Science · Law · Sustainability and Climate Change Governance

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