South African Sludge Management Trends Analysis
Analysis of sludge management trends and technologies in LMICs to guide South Africa’s approach
Effective sludge management is a challenge for the water sector with volume reduction, resource recovery and beneficiation among the top priorities. We worked with South Africa’s Water Research Commission (WRC) to investigate trends, innovations and advances in sludge management practices and technologies. The goal was to explore current research on sludge management technologies in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Gaining a thorough understanding of this will help to shape future research into innovative sludge management technologies in South Africa.
Benefits of Approach/Innovation
- Situational Analysis: Our team analysed the current state of sludge management policies, practices and technologies in South Africa.
- Research and Innovation Framework: Our snapshot methodology identified key challenges within a framework, allowing for more efficient management and implementation.
- Call-to-action: We developed a research strategy to help put existing innovations into practice more effectively.
Specialist Services Involved:
- Innovation trends analysis: Our team identified emerging innovation trends and conceptualised these trends in response to sludge management’s biggest challenges.
- Strategic conceptualisation: We created a strategic roadmap to guide decision making and prioritise research when it came to innovation development and adoption.
Outcomes:
- Set strategic priorities: We identified key innovation trends in sludge management and helped set clear priorities for future research.
- Innovation availability and adoption: Our team pinpointed the best available solutions and highlighted the barriers preventing their use.
- Resource optimisation: The strategy will be used to inform future research investment in sludge management between 2025 and 2035.
Key Contacts:
For enquiries and further information, please contact Chantal R-Kotze, Managing Director at Isle Utilities South Africa.
Dive deeper into the insights—read the full article in The Water Wheel , starting on page 28.