Pilot Plant Study of Simultaneous Sewage Sludge Digestion and Metal Leaching
Publication: Journal of Environmental Engineering
Volume 130, Issue 5
Abstract
This research is related to a preindustrial pilot scale study of the performance of the simultaneous sewage sludge digestion and metal leaching (SSDML) process for decontamination and stabilization of sewage sludge. Ten batch tests were carried out in two bioreactors under various conditions of operation. Results indicated that the addition of 1.0 to which is the equivalent of approximately 30 to per tons dry sludge, is sufficient to obtain conditions of acidity and oxido-reduction potential greater than 500 mV necessary for an effective solubilization of toxic metals. The final average of metal solubilization in the output sludge during the SSDML process varied in the following ranges: 25–78% Cd, 9–32% Cr, 48–100% Cu, 77–99% Mn, 15–53% Ni, 12–47% Pb, and 66–100% Zn. The N, P, and K contents were also preserved in the decontaminated sludge. Moreover, the use of low concentrations of elemental sulfur makes it possible to obtain decontaminated sludge with a low total sulfur content (1.4–1.5% S) compatible with agricultural use. The suspended solids removal calculated for the SSDML process was slightly lower, volatile suspended solids per day, than those reached using standard aerobic digestion. Finally, the SSDML process was found to be effective in removing bad odors and in the destruction (99–100%) of indicator bacteria.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Environmental Engineering
Volume 130 • Issue 5 • May 2004
Pages: 516 - 525
Copyright
Copyright © 2004 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Dec 11, 2002
Accepted: Apr 29, 2003
Published online: Apr 15, 2004
Published in print: May 2004
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