Regulatory and technological prerequisites of the use of sewage sludge for the production of organic fertilizers

Annotation Purpose. Summarize the regulatory and technological requirements for the production of organic (organo-mineral) fertilizers on the base of sewage sludge. Methods. Analysis and generalization of the requirements of regulatory documents on the management of organic waste and their use as raw materials for the production of organic fertilizers and soil improvers. Results. The current legislative, departmental and regulatory documentary base in Ukraine concerning the treatment of sediment resulting from biological sewage treatment at municipal wastewater treatment plants for its further use in agriculture as fertilizers is analysed. Indicators are identified and analysed to determine the possibility, feasibility, efficiency and scope of organic fertilizers produced using sewage sludge. The analysis of changes in the content of organic matter and total nitrogen in the sewage sludge during its storage at the sewage treatment plant sites is presented. The technological feasibility of using sludge of different shelf life in composting production has been determined. Conclusions 1. The regulatory framework of Ukraine contains a sufficiently complete list of indicators that should be met by organic raw materials (sewage sludge) for further use as organic fertilizers. Some of these indicators – bio security and heavy metals content – can be improved in the composting process of fertilizers. 2. Fresh sediment, as well as sediment accumulated in the last late autumn and winter periods, is of main value for use as a raw material in the production of organic fertilizers. 3. The use in the production of compost sludge stored on sludge sites for a period of half a year or more requires special control of the process of decontamination. In this case, it is advisable to use additional means of wastewater decontamination. Keywords: heavy metals, manure, humus, decontamination, composting, organic fertilizers, sewage sludge.

Download Full-text

The immobilisation of heavy metals from sewage sludge ash in geopolymer mortars

MATEC Web of Conferences ◽

10.1051/matecconf/202032201026 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 322 ◽

pp. 01026

Author(s):

Mateusz Sitarz ◽

Tomasz Zdeb ◽

João Castro Gomes ◽

Erick Grünhäuser Soares ◽

Izabela Hager

Keyword(s):

Heavy Metals ◽

Sewage Sludge ◽

Municipal Wastewater ◽

Sewage Treatment ◽

Sewage Treatment Plant ◽

Treatment Plant ◽

Fluidised Bed ◽

The European Union ◽

Sewage Sludge Ash ◽

Sludge Ash

Sewage sludge is a semi-solid waste material created as a result of the sewage treatment of industrial or municipal wastewater. Because the laws and regulations of the European Union require not only a reduction in waste generation but also the preparation of waste for reuse and disposal, it is necessary to look for new methods of the application of sewage sludge as part of sustainable waste management. In this study, ash formed as a result of the combustion of sewage sludge from the sewage treatment plant in Płaszów, Krakow in a fluidised bed furnace at a temperature of around 800°C was used. Sewage sludge ash (SSA) contains over 30% SiO2 and approx. 10% Al2O3, which indicates potential applications in geopolymer materials. In this study, samples of geopolymer mortars with a binder containing sewage sludge ash as well as fly ash (FA) and ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) were prepared. The mechanical parameters were determined after 2, 7, 14, and 28 days. The results show that the sewage sludge ash-based geopolymer shows binding properties at ambient temperature and, depending on the presence of FA and/or GGBFS, the compressive strength varies from 5 to 45 MPa after 28 days. The aim of the research was also to determine the total content of heavy metals (Sb, As, Cr, Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, Hg, Zn) in the raw materials used and their leachability from the structure of the hardened materials. Immobilisation of heavy metals is very promising. Based on the results of tests, it seems possible to use SSA in geopolymer materials, but not as the main component of the binder.

Download Full-text

Basic investigation on the chemical forms of heavy metals in a sewage treatment plant

Water Science & Technology ◽

10.2166/wst.2000.0195 ◽

2000 ◽

Vol 42 (9) ◽

pp. 159-165 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

H. Morita ◽

H. Tsuboi

Keyword(s):

Heavy Metals ◽

Sewage Sludge ◽

Sewage Treatment ◽

Sewage Treatment Plant ◽

Treatment Plant ◽

Energy Resource ◽

Point Of View ◽

Raw Material ◽

Chemical Forms ◽

Basic Study

Sewage sludge mainly consists of organic matter, and it is rich in nutrients. Therefore, sewage sludge is beneficial as an energy resource and as a raw material for fertilizer. However, heavy metals in it are the obstacle to utilization of sludge. This study was conducted in order to know the chemical forms of heavy metals and their behavior in a sewage treatment plant as a basic study for development of technology to reduce heavy metals in sludge. Chemical methods and biological methods, such as extraction using acid, bacteria leaching, are applied to reduce heavy metals. In using these methods, the efficiency depends on the chemical forms of heavy metals. From this point of view, factors, which affect the chemical forms of heavy metals, were investigated through the survey at some plants of different conditions. Besides, experiments on the anaerobic digestion process, in which the chemical forms of heavy metals were expected to change, were conducted. As the results of these studies, it was found that the chemical forms of heavy metals and their behavior vary according to the species of heavy metals. In comparison of zinc (Zn), copper (Cu) and nickel (Ni), Cu was found to be changed most easily into a stable chemical form such as carbonate and sulfide. Zn was the second to Cu in its tendency to be stabilized. As for Ni, the tendency was further less than Zn.

Download Full-text

Future proof decentralised sludge recycling Elodry-pro®

Water Practice & Technology ◽

10.2166/wpt.2017.018 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 15 (3) ◽

pp. 840-848

Author(s):

B. Geraats ◽

M. Parnowska ◽

L. Kox

Keyword(s):

Sewage Sludge ◽

Modular Design ◽

Sewage Treatment ◽

Sewage Treatment Plant ◽

Treatment Plant ◽

Cost Effective ◽

Raw Material ◽

Available Phosphorus ◽

Low Carbon ◽

Nox Formation

Abstract At Linz-Unkel (Germany) sewage treatment plant the first full scale state-of-art EloDry-Pro® plant for sewage sludge has been constructed, consisting of the PYREG® reactor and the EloDry® belt dryer. The system is characterised by small footprint, flexibility, modular design and efficient energy management. The sludge dried using an EloDry® belt dryer undergoes staged combustion using the PYREG® module at around 6,500°C. This reduces the sludge to a fraction of its original volume while disinfecting it and removing micro-pollutants such as pharmaceutical residues. The residual ash, which has a high percentage of plant-available phosphorus, is then supplied to the fertiliser industry as a recycled raw material. The working principle of EloDry-Pro® installation, including heat flows of the system, is presented. The paper describes Pyreg®'s advanced emission control systems, preventing NOx formation and removing harmful substances such as mercury and sulphur. The EloDry-Pro® technology is an innovative and cost-effective approach to decentralised thermal recycling of sewage sludge. Both sewage sludge volumes and transportation costs are reduced by up to 90%, therefore making it a low carbon cost-effective alternative to the transportation of sludge and allowing local sludge processing at plants under 100 k population.

Download Full-text

The synergistic effect of sewage sludge biochar and Trichoderma harzianum on soybean yield

Australian Journal of Crop Science ◽

10.21475/ajcs.19.13.07.p1779 ◽

2019 ◽

pp. 1183-1187 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Alyson Silva de Araujo ◽

Luiz Eduardo Bassay Blum ◽

Cícero Célio de Figueiredo

Keyword(s):

Sewage Sludge ◽

Synergistic Effect ◽

Sewage Treatment ◽

Sewage Treatment Plant ◽

Treatment Plant ◽

Federal District ◽

Biological Properties ◽

Mineral Fertilizers ◽

Trichoderma Spp ◽

Final Destination

The use of sewage sludge to produce biochar is one of the best alternatives for the final destination of this material, allowing for reuse of nutrients and reducing the dependence on mineral fertilizers. Sewage sludge biochar (SSB) stands out as an enhancer of the physical, chemical and biological properties of the soil. The use of beneficial microorganisms such as Trichoderma spp. in combination with biochar may have a synergistic effect on the development of different plants and needs to be better studied. The SSB was produced from sewage sludge biomass (SS) obtained from the sewage treatment plant (STP) of the Federal District Environmental Sanitation Company (CAESB), Brasilia, DF, Brazil. The SSB was produced in an electric tubular furnace at 500 °C and showed the following characteristics: carbon (19%), nitrogen (2.3%), hydrogen (1.7%), specific surface area (52.5 m2 g-1), pore volume (0.053 ml g-1). An experiment was carried out in a greenhouse to evaluate the synergistic effect of SSB application (0.5% w/w) in combination with T. harzianum (TH) on soybean development. The treatments adopted were: (1) control – autoclaved soil, (2) TH, (3) SSB and (4) SSB + TH. The SSB was applied 15 days before soybean planting and the TH was applied to the soil two times, once at eight days before planting and the other at the time of planting. The SSB resulted in a 200% increase in the number of pods when compared to the exclusive application of T. harzianum. Application of SSB with T. harzianum increased germination by 20%, as well as a 70% increase in fresh and dry soybean mass in relation to the control. The agronomic indices evaluated in this study demonstrated that the use of SSB in conjunction with T. harzianum presents a synergistic effect, allowing for better development of the soybean plants.

Download Full-text

RISK ANALYSIS OF ACCUMULATION OF HEAVY METALS FROM SEWAGE SLUDGE IN SOIL FROM THE SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT IN STARACHOWICE

Structure and Environment ◽

10.30540/sae-2019-022 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 11 (4) ◽

pp. 287-295

Author(s):

ROBERT KOWALIK ◽

◽

JAROSŁAW GAWDZIK ◽

BARBARA GAWDZIK ◽

◽

...

Keyword(s):

Heavy Metals ◽

Sewage Sludge ◽

Risk Analysis ◽

Sewage Treatment ◽

Sewage Treatment Plant ◽

Treatment Plant

Download Full-text

ANALYSIS OF THE MOBILITY OF HEAVY METALS IN SLUDGE FOR THE SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT IN DALESZYCE

Structure and Environment ◽

10.30540/sae-2020-010 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (2) ◽

pp. 85-92

Author(s):

ROBERT KOWALIK ◽

JAROSŁĄW GAWDZIK ◽

BARBARA GAWDZIK ◽

ALICJA GAWDZIK

Keyword(s):

Heavy Metals ◽

Wastewater Treatment ◽

Sewage Sludge ◽

Wastewater Treatment Plant ◽

Metal Content ◽

Sewage Treatment ◽

Sewage Treatment Plant ◽

Treatment Plant ◽

Total Metal Content ◽

Treatment Processes

Sewage sludge is a by-product of wastewater treatment processes. However, it has high fertilising and soil-forming properties, but it cannot always be used for this purpose. The two main criteria limiting their natural use are heavy metals and parasite eggs. Sewage sludge taken from the Daleszyce wastewater treatment plant has been analysed for heavy metals. For this purpose a space analysis was performed to divide the total metal content into four mobility fractions. The mobility issue determines the ability of an element, or one of its forms, to move in the environment. The studies were performed using a four-stage BCR procedure. The results were analyzed and compared to the limits applicable in Poland for sewage sludge intended for environmental use.

Download Full-text

Conversion of Sewage Sludge and Other Biodegradable Waste into High-Value Soil Amendment within a Circular Bioeconomy Perspective

Energies ◽

10.3390/en14216953 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 14 (21) ◽

pp. 6953

Author(s):

Ewa Neczaj ◽

Anna Grosser ◽

Anna Grobelak ◽

Piotr Celary ◽

Bal Ram Singh

Keyword(s):

Heavy Metals ◽

Wastewater Treatment ◽

Sewage Sludge ◽

Wastewater Treatment Plant ◽

Municipal Wastewater ◽

Treatment Plant ◽

Organic Fertilizers ◽

Municipal Wastewater Treatment ◽

Biodegradable Waste ◽

Digestion Process

Resource recovery from biodegradable waste is essential in order to reach the goals of zero circular economy waste generation and zero greenhouse gas emissions from the waste sector. Waste whose management is a real challenge is sewage sludge, mainly because of high concentrations of heavy metals. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of material stabilization during aerobic stabilization of two feedstocks with sewage sludge obtained from different sources, namely, digestate from a municipal wastewater treatment plant and digestate from a co-digestion process. Moreover, the goal of the experiment was to assess the quality of compost in terms of remediation potential. The composting process was carried out for four different mixtures consisting of the mentioned digestates, municipal solid waste, and grass. A better composting efficiency with digestate from the co-digestion process was observed. In that case, a higher temperature in the thermophilic phase (>55 °C) and a higher organic matter loss ratio (60%) were obtained as compared to the process with digestate from wastewater treatment plant. Taking into account the fertilizing properties and the concentration of heavy metals, all obtained composts met the requirements set out in the Polish Regulation for organic fertilizers. Only the content of Helminth eggs in the composts produced with the digestate from the wastewater treatment plant was above the acceptable level. The research also proved that the produced composts can be used in the phytoremediation process of the degraded area. It was found that all composts caused a significant increase in fescue biomass. The highest yield was achieved for compost produced from a mixture with the addition of 30% sewage sludge from the co-digestion process.

Download Full-text

Biological leaching of heavy metals from anaerobically digested sewage sludge using indigenous sulfur-oxidizing bacteria and sulfur waste in a closed system

Water Science & Technology ◽

10.2166/wst.2001.0073 ◽

2001 ◽

Vol 43 (2) ◽

pp. 59-65 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

K. Kitada ◽

A. Ito ◽

K. Yamada ◽

J. Aizawa ◽

T. Umita

Keyword(s):

Heavy Metals ◽

Sewage Sludge ◽

Closed System ◽

Elemental Sulfur ◽

Sewage Treatment ◽

Sewage Treatment Plant ◽

Treatment Plant ◽

Sulfur Oxidizing ◽

Digested Sewage Sludge ◽

Sulfur Oxidizing Bacteria

The utilization of indigenous sulfur-oxidizing bacteria and sulfur waste was investigated in order to remove heavy metals from anaerobically digested sewage sludge economically. Indigenous sulfur-oxidizing bacteria existing in anaerobically digested sewage sludge were activated by adding elemental sulfur to the sludge and then the bacteria were isolated. It was found that indigenous sulfur-oxidizing bacteria could utilize sulfur waste generated by desulfurization of digestion gas as a substrate. Then, biological leaching of heavy metals from anaerobically digested sewage sludge was carried out using indigenous sulfur-oxidizing bacteria and sulfur waste. By adding sulfur waste to sewage sludge, sulfuric acid was produced by the bacteria and the sludge pH decreased. Heavy metals in sewage sludge were effectively removed owing to the decrease of pH. The optimum amount of sulfur waste added to decrease the pH sufficiently was 5g/L when the sludge concentration was 2%. It was presented that the biological leaching of heavy metals from sewage sludge can be carried out in a closed system, where all required materials are obtained in a sewage treatment plant.

Download Full-text

The Use of Ultrasounds in Improving the Sanitary Quality of Sewage Sludge

Proceedings ◽

10.3390/proceedings2019016032 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 16 (1) ◽

pp. 32

Author(s):

Eliza Hawrylik

Keyword(s):

Sewage Sludge ◽

Municipal Wastewater ◽

Wastewater Treatment Plants ◽

Sewage Treatment ◽

Sewage Treatment Plant ◽

Treatment Plant ◽

Low Frequency ◽

Municipal Wastewater Treatment ◽

Low Frequency Ultrasound ◽

Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plants

The aim of this article is to study the effect of low-frequency ultrasound on the disintegration of microorganisms present in mixed sewage sludge. Initial and excessive sewage sludge were used for examinations coming from the Bialystok Sewage Treatment Plant. They were exposed to ultrasound at 20 and 40 kHz, in varying sonification times and in the case of variable operation of the ultrasonic cleaner (continuous and pulsating work). Research showed that ultrasound was demonstrating effective action with the tested microorganisms. The 30-minute interaction of ultrasounds at 20 kHz on the bacteria present in sewage sludge resulted in a significant decrease in the number of these microorganisms. The obtained results, therefore, indicate the possibility of using this method to disintegrate microorganisms in municipal wastewater treatment plants.

Download Full-text

Effect of Wastewater on the Soil and Irrigation Process: A Laboratory Study

10.21523/gcj5.17010105 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 1 (1) ◽

pp. 46-55 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Athar Hussain ◽

Manjeeta Priyadarshi ◽

Saif Said ◽

Suraj Negi

Keyword(s):

Heavy Metals ◽

Tap Water ◽

Sewage Treatment ◽

Daily Intake ◽

Sewage Treatment Plant ◽

Treatment Plant ◽

Treated Wastewater ◽

Surface Water Resources ◽

Industrial Sewage ◽

Concentration Levels

Most of the industrial sewage effluents used for irrigation contains heavy metals which cause toxicity to crop plants as the soils are able to accumulate heavy metal for many years. The vegetables grown for the present study were irrigated with treated wastewater brought from a nearby full-scale sewage treatment plant at different compositions along with tap water as a control. The concentration levels of the Cd, Co, Cu, Mn and Zn in the soil were found to below the toxic limits as prescribed in literature. Daily Intake Metals (DIM) values suggest that the consumption of plants grown in treated wastewater and tap water is nearly free of risks, as the dietary intake limits of Cu, Fe, Zn and Mn. The Enrichment Factor for the treated wastewater irrigated soil was found in order Zn> Ni> Pb> Cr> Cu> Co> Mn> Cd. Thus, treated wastewater can be effectively used for irrigation. This will have twofold significant environmental advantages: (1) helpful to reduce the groundwater usage for irrigation and (2) helpful to reduce the stress on surface water resources.

Download Full-text