Dredged sediments as a natural resource

Paper ID: 
cest2021_00679
Topic: 
Circular economy and industrial symbiosis
Published under CEST2021
Proceedings ISBN: 978-618-86292-1-9
Proceedings ISSN: 2944-9820
Authors: 
(Corresponding) ANAGNOSTOPOULOU K., CAVOURA O., SOUMPASAKOU G., DAMIKOUKA I.
Abstract: 
The periodic removal of sediments is necessary to ensure the functionality of ports, to facilitate navigation, for construction, expansion and environmental cleanup processes. The management and fate of the resultant tons of dredged material is a costly issue that must be addressed. Many technologies for the disposal of dredged sediments take no consideration of sediment’ reclamation. However, in line with the principles of the circular economy sediment should be treated as a new resource for sustainable reuse rather than as a waste. The aim and the scope of this paper is to examine the possibilities of sediment’ management in the context of the circular economy by presenting sustainable, economically and environmentally friendly "green" management options of dredged sediments. Case studies of alternative and beneficial uses of sediments include the development and restoration of coastlines and landscapes, the construction of water barriers and flood works, sediment use in agriculture, in the production of bricks and ceramics, as well as for road construction.
Keywords: 
beneficial uses, dredged sediments, bricks, cement, circular economy