Scientists from the Lviv Polytechnic National University plan to return disturbed lands to the ecosystem
Filled landfills, abandoned iron ore and sulfur quarries, silt fields near aeration stations are a serious threat to the environment. In our country, they occupy thousands of hectares and the number of uninhabitable areas is only growing.
Scientists of the Vyacheslav Chornovil Institute of Sustainable Development of the Lviv Polytechnic National University decided to help return the disturbed lands to the ecosystem. Last year, scientists submitted a project “Development of a complex technology for obtaining and using substrates based on organic waste and natural sorbents for the needs of biological reclamation and remediation of industrially disturbed lands” to the National Research Foundation’s call “Support for research of leading and young scientists” and received grant funding.
The supervisor of the project, head of the department of ecology and sustainable use of the institute Myroslav Malovany says: “The goal of scientists is to create a substrate based on sewage sludge, which will help to carry out biological land reclamation. This will simultaneously solve two problems: reduce the number of silt fields and – return technologically disturbed lands “to nature””.
Economically profitable
Silt fields occupy millions of hectares and pollute the environment. In order to bring the landfill or quarry to a safe condition, we should use technical remediation, but nothing will grow on limestone and garbage. Therefore, it is necessary to pour soil, humus or substrate. Humus is very expensive, and removing a fertile layer of soil on some lands to restore others is a dubious and costly technology. The substrate based on wastewater will be affordable though.
“Delaying” harmful impurities
Scientists plan to add sorbents to the substrate, which will absorb harmful impurities, that is, there will be not only reclamation, but also remediation (purification) of contaminated lands.
You can’t plant vegetables and fruits, but a forest – easy
The project should be completed in 2022.
Scientists have began their work with planning, formed a team found partners who would help with the implementation of the substrate. This is, in particular, the Lviv municipal enterprise “Green City”, which is engaged in composting. Utility workers are happy to cooperate, because they are interested in the fact that the waste was used to advantage. This is not so easy to do, because sewage sludge contaminated with harmful elements, cannot be used for example, in agriculture without thorough cleaning (heavy metals can get into vegetables or fruits), but it is possible to create a substrate based on waste, plant grass on it and turn the former landfill into a wonderful golf course. Or grow a forest on the site of a former quarry. In ten to fifteen years, it will be a great place to relax.
Without governmental funding, such a project, according to Dr. Malovany, had no chance of success.
No pain, no gain!
Scientists plan to hold seminars and conferences. Specialists, government officials and public activists will be invited.
The researchers also plan to sign a contract with Lvivvodokanal, which is willing to pay those who will use the sludge. According to scientists, this should be a good argument for local businesses. Because it is one thing to buy soil and transport it for reclamation, and another to use an inexpensive substrate and receive funds (even small ones) from Lvivvodokanal. In addition to economic benefits, entrepreneurs will receive public respect, because nature protection is a priority of the highest level.
Dr. Myroslav Malovany says: “We consider our project important, so we took part in the competition and won. This means that the call’s commission pays attention to the significance of the idea and understands the seriousness of the problem. Do the same – take part in competitions and change the world around you. No pain, no gain!’
SVITLANA GALAGA
