Performance of wastewater sludge ecological stabilization

Area of Science:

• Environmental Engineering
• Soil Science
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Wastewater sludge requires effective stabilization and dewatering methods.
• Ecological stabilization offers a potential solution for sludge management and resource recovery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present and evaluate the Wastewater Sludge Ecological Stabilization (WWSES) process.
• To assess sludge stabilization, dewatering, and percolate treatment using WWSES.
• To investigate the impact of WWSES-treated sludge on plant growth and composition.

Main Methods:

• Pilot-scale experimental setup for WWSES over two years.
• Monitoring of sludge volatile solids, moisture content, and TTC-dehydrogenase activity (DHA).
• Analysis of nutrient content (nitrogen, phosphorus, organic matter) in dried sludge layers.
• Comparative study of reed growth and biomass composition between WWSES-treated and wild stands.

Main Results:

• WWSES achieved sludge dewatering to 20%-50% total solids within two years.
• Sludge stabilization was indicated by decreasing volatile solids and increasing TTC-DHA activity over time.
• Nutrient content decreased from top to bottom in the dried sludge layer.
• Reeds grown in WWSES-treated sludge showed significantly higher shoot growth and biomass nutrient content, especially crude protein.

Conclusions:

• WWSES is an effective method for sludge dewatering, stabilization, and mineralisation.
• The WWSES process enhances plant growth and nutrient accumulation in biomass.
• This technology presents a sustainable approach for wastewater sludge management and potential resource recovery.