Bioleaching of Metals from Sewage Sludge by Sulfur‐Oxidizing Bacteria
Publication: Journal of Environmental Engineering
Volume 118, Issue 5
Abstract
Twenty‐three different sewage sludges were studied to adapt indigenous sulfur‐oxidizing microflora to solubilize a substantial part of trace metals from the sludges. The results showed that the oxidation of elemental sulfur into sulfuric acid with indigenous sludge thiobacilli causes a sludge acidification, lowering the pH below 2.0. This pH reduction solubilizes trace metals to a level compatible with recommended norms for agricultural use with the following metal solubilization efficiencies: Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn, The adaptation of this microflora reduces the trace‐metal‐leaching period to 1.5 to five days, depending on the sludge used. The growth and metal‐leaching capacity of the adapted micro‐flora, which is a mixed culture of thiobacilli, was not significantly influenced by the sludge type (nondigested sludge, aerobically or anaerobically digested sludge) and by sludge total solids content.
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Information & Authors
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Published In
Journal of Environmental Engineering
Volume 118 • Issue 5 • September 1992
Pages: 690 - 707
Copyright
Copyright © 1992 ASCE.
History
Published online: Sep 1, 1992
Published in print: Sep 1992
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