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Reclamation of acid waters using sewage sludge
W Davison1, C S Reynolds, E Tipping
1Freshwater Biological Association, Windermere Laboratory, The Ferry House, Ambleside, Cumbria LA22 0LP, UK.
Environmental Pollution (Barking, Essex : 1987)
|January 1, 1989
Summary
Sewage sludge neutralized acidic quarry water for two years by generating base through sulfate reduction. Permanent reclamation requires covering at least 50% of the lake bed with sludge and adding phosphate fertilizer.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Water Chemistry
- Ecology
Background:
- Acidic water in sand quarries results from pyrite oxidation.
- Acidic conditions (pH 3) harm aquatic ecosystems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of sewage sludge in neutralizing acidic quarry water.
- To assess the long-term viability of this remediation method.
Main Methods:
- Application of calcium hydroxide and sewage sludge to acidic quarry water.
- Monitoring water pH and chemical composition over two years.
- Incubation experiments to determine sludge capacity for sulfate reduction.
Main Results:
- Water pH was neutralized to 8 for two years due to sulfate reduction in sludge.
- Acidic conditions returned after two years due to insufficient sludge coverage.
- Sewage sludge demonstrated efficient sulfate reduction in both acidic and neutral conditions.
- Trace metals were removed from the water, and aluminum solubility was controlled by jurbanite.
Conclusions:
- Sewage sludge can effectively neutralize acidic water and support aquatic life.
- Permanent reclamation requires substantial sludge coverage (≥50% lake bed) and nutrient replenishment (phosphate).
- This method offers a low-odor, ecologically beneficial approach to remediating acidic water bodies.
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