Scientific Workshop on “Sludge Recovery and Applications toward a Circular Economy”: A New Direction for
Green and Sustainable Development
Thai Nguyen University of Education – Thai Nguyen University organized a scientific workshop on the theme “Sludge Recovery and Applications toward a Circular Economy,” with the aim of exploring new directions for green and sustainable development. The workshop was held as part of a science and technology research project funded by the National Foundation for Science and Technology Development (NAFOSTED) under Project No. 104.05-2025.70, led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Quoc Toan.
Against the backdrop of the circular economy becoming an inevitable development trend toward green growth and sustainable development, research into solutions for recycling and reusing waste—particularly sludge generated by domestic water treatment plants—is attracting increasing attention from scientists and policymakers. The workshop was organized to provide an academic forum for exchanging knowledge, updating the latest research achievements, and strengthening connections among scientists working in environmental science, chemistry, materials science, and waste treatment technology.
The workshop was attended by numerous scientists and experts from Thai Nguyen University of Education – Thai Nguyen University, Thai Nguyen University of Sciences – Thai Nguyen University, Thai Nguyen University of Agriculture and Forestry – Thai Nguyen University, Thai Binh University of Medicine and Pharmacy, and Ha Long University, along with many lecturers, graduate students, doctoral candidates, and undergraduate students interested in the field.
A key highlight of the workshop was a series of in-depth scientific presentations highlighting new research findings and emerging trends in the application of sludge within a circular economy framework. The presentations focused on an overview of sludge generated from domestic water treatment processes; new applications of water treatment plant sludge; the characteristics and treatment approaches for iron-rich sludge; the potential use of iron-rich sludge in environmental remediation; as well as technologies for recycling and reusing sludge to produce materials with practical applications. The scientific presentations offered new perspectives by combining fundamental research with application-oriented approaches, thereby helping clarify the potential for recovering secondary resources from sludge.
The discussions at the workshop were lively, with numerous contributions from scientists, lecturers, and students. Participants focused on analyzing existing challenges in sludge treatment, assessing the potential for developing new materials for environmental remediation, and proposing various solutions to improve recycling efficiency, promote technology transfer, and facilitate the commercialization of sludge-derived products.
The workshop participants reached a consensus that sludge from domestic water treatment plants should not be regarded merely as waste requiring disposal, but also as a potentially valuable source of raw materials for developing functional materials and materials for environmental treatment. Researching and further improving technologies for recycling and reusing sludge will help reduce environmental pressures, enhance resource efficiency, and contribute to realizing the goals of a circular economy.
In the concluding remarks, the Organizing Committee emphasized that the academic exchanges and outcomes of the workshop would provide an important foundation for continuing the research activities under the NAFOSTED-funded project, while also expanding cooperation among educational institutions, research institutes, and enterprises in the field of environmental technology. The workshop further highlighted the role of Thai Nguyen University of Education – Thai Nguyen University in promoting scientific research, developing technological solutions for environmental protection, advancing green materials, and contributing to the achievement of sustainable development goals.
Some photos from the workshop
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Quoc Toan – Chair of the workshop, delivering his remarks
The Organizing Committee and presenting delegates
The Organizing Committee and workshop participants
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Khieu Thi Tam presenting at the workshop
Dr. Nguyen Thi Mai presenting at the workshop
M.A./PhD Candidate Vu Thi Hue presenting at the workshop
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Do Tra Huong presenting at the workshop
Lecturer Vu Thi Thu Huong from Ha Long University sharing her views at the workshop