Analysis of Biogenic Secondary Pollution Materials from Sludge in Surface Waters

Many countries of the world, including Lithuania, are making an effort to reduce surface water pollution. State monitoring data show that almost 80% of the lakes in Lithuania have an increased amount of sludge. One of the reasons for this increase in sludge is an excessive amount of biogenic material in the water. It is known that even after the source of pollution is removed, the condition of the lake water does not improve; rather, the condition of the lake water worsens due to the secondary pollution of sludge in the water. A study was conducted to determine the impact of secondary sludge pollution on water. For this study, 5 sludge samples were taken from different lakes in Lithuania. Fresh water was poured on the sludge samples, the concentrations of N_t, NO₂-N, NO₃-N, NH₄-N, PO₄-P, P_t, the pH and the changes in the electric conductivity (C) were measured in the water within 28 h. Research has shown that the thickness of the sludge layer influences the total amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and organic matter present in the sludge. As the thickness of the sludge layer increases in a lake, the total concentrations of nitrogen, total phosphorus and organic matter increase. Studies have also shown that the concentrations of all biogenic substances in water increase, with the exception of total phosphorus. This finding shows that organic phosphorus is "locked" in sludge, and no secondary pollution occurs from this source. Moreover, the electrical conductivity values of the water influence the release of biogenic substances from sludge in the water.