Trond Mæhlum

Research Scientist

(+47) 412 38 270
trond.maehlum@nibio.no

Place
Ås O43

Visiting address
Oluf Thesens vei 43, 1433 Ås

Biography

Education

PhD from NMBU (1998) in use of constructed wetlands for water pollution control in cold climates. Cand.agric. in mangagement of water resources fram NMBU (1991)

Key qualifications

Environmental engineering, specialising in water protection management hydrogeology and aquatic chemistry. Experience in planning, design and monitoring of nature based systems for treatment of point sources and diffuse pollution. Landfill leachates, domestic wastewater, urban runoff, agricultural wastewaters and runoff. Particular interest in treatment wetlands, ponds, soil infiltration and biological filters. Investigation of filter media and treatment processes - in laboratory, mesocosm and full-scale systems. University lecturer and examiner in environmental engineering and water resource management.

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Abstract

Urban agriculture requires resources such as growth media, nutrients, and water. This report demonstrates how these resources can be locally sourced through a circular economy approach, in which waste materials are recovered and reused. Recycling helps reduce or eliminate the discharge of pollutants into water and air. Examples presented show how to convert waste from households—such as human excreta, wastewater, and organic household waste—into biogas, compost/growth media, biochar, and solid and liquid fertilizer for urban agriculture and urban greening. The solutions presented have been explored through desktop evaluations, practical trials, or full-scale demonstrations to see how the technologies can be improved or adapted for urban use. Products like liquid and solid fertilizers, compost, aquaponic fish feed, irrigation water, and energy (methane) can be used in urban food production or recreational areas. Regulations for the use of waste resources in the production of growth media, fertilizers, irrigation water, fodder, and energy vary between countries but are generally restrictive due to the risk of disease transmission and pollutant build-up. For urban agriculture to become more circular, there is a need for documentation of good waste treatment routines, changes in legislation, and changes in attitudes towards the use of local waste resources.