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Valorization of residual matter for the fertilization of wild lowbush blueberry: symbioses between the blueberry, pulp and paper and aluminum industries

The industry of wild lowbush blueberry is important in Quebec with over 500 companies (400 in Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean region), representing 40% of the Canadian production and 1000 full-time jobs. The industry needs an optimization of the fertilization practices to decrease the production costs and remains competitive in the international market. The valorization, with bioprocesses, of residual fertilizing matter from the pulp and paper and aluminum industries is a potential solution. The pulp and paper mill sludge (PPMS) is the main organic residual generated from the wastewater treatments of the pulp and paper industry. In Quebec, the annual production of 1.3 M tons of PPMS are managed by landfilling (25%), land application (25%), energy recovery (41%) and other practices (8%). The Quebec’s government policies aim to ban landfilling of PPMS by 2020, resulting in major challenges for the industry to change their PPMS management practices. The PPMS valorization through fertilization is promoted by the government and could decrease the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The calcium sulfate (anhydrite) generated from the aluminum industry is the solid residue from the production of aluminum fluoride. Valorization options are needed and its integration into a fertilizing formula is a promising solution. This project aims to 1) develop the valorization of the residual fertilizing matter of PPMS and anhydrite, 2) improve the fertilizing value of those residues with bioprocesses for the blueberry production and 3) calculate the GHG emission budget from this valorization. The partial biodegradation of the complex phenolic compounds in PPMS with bacterial strains, followed by composting the treated PPMS and anhydrite mixture with a low proportion of alder residues will result in fertilizing formulas rich in calcium and nitrogen within a pH spectrum adapted for blueberry farming. Fertilizer effects will be assessed in greenhouses (yr 1) and with field trials (yr 2-3). The organic residual matter currently used in blueberry fertilization is poultry manure, with a cost of approximately 600$/ton. Thus, there is a high flexibility to decrease the fertilization costs with PPMS-anhydrite valorization and enlarge its use. The GHG emissions budget from this valorization will be compared to those of business-as-usual scenarios, with field measurements an life cycle analyses, for instance to the one of mineral fertilizer (production generating high GHG emissions). The GHG emission reduction from an alternative management to landfilling disposal can potentially generate carbon offset credits for the carbon markets. This valorization will have important economic and environmental benefits. The location of the industries in the Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean region will reduce the impacts of the transport on the GHG budget.

Claude Villeneuve

Université du Québec à Chicoutimi (UQAC)

CRIBIQ's contribution

$ 192 000


Partners

Industrial participants :

  • Produits forestiers Résolu
  • Rio Tinto
  • CAFN
  • Gazon Savard

QPRI*
*Quebec public research institutes :

  • UQAC