In today’s world, wastewater treatment systems hold significant importance for the treatment of domestic and urban wastewater, as well as for obtaining drinking and utility water. Consequently, the management of sludge generated in treatment plants has gained importance. To effectively manage sludge, it is essential to conduct sludge analysis and decide on the management strategy based on the results.
Sludge Analysis and Regulations
Sludge analysis is a comprehensive screening process that combines several analyses and adheres to internationally recognized standards. The regulation governing this process is the “Regulation on the Use of Domestic and Urban Treatment Sludges in Soil.” According to this regulation, the sludge resulting from wastewater treatment processes must be managed appropriately. If the analysis shows that the sludge poses no harm to soil, plants, animals, or humans, it may be used in soil in a controlled manner. The regulation also specifies the conditions under which sludge cannot be used. These points are expressed and monitored in a more technical and administrative manner within the regulation.
The process of sampling sludge for control purposes is carried out in accordance with the relevant articles of the applicable law and standards, as specified by the regulation.
AEM Laboratory Services
AEM Laboratory provides sampling and analysis services for treatment sludges.
Sludge Analysis Under the Regulation
Numerous different analyses are conducted as part of sludge analysis, each serving to identify different conditions. The “Regulation on the Use of Domestic and Urban Treatment Sludges in Soil” details the analysis parameters in Annex-1. The necessary analyses and limit values for soil and stabilized treatment sludge are specified in detail in sections 1-A, 1-B, 1-C, and 1-D of Annex-1.
Annex 1-A: Heavy Metal Limit Values in Soil
This section includes a table with the heavy metal analyses and limit values for lead, cadmium, chromium, copper, nickel, zinc, and mercury.
Annex 1-B: Maximum Permissible Heavy Metal Content in Stabilized Treatment Sludge for Soil Use
This section includes a table with the heavy metal analyses and limit values for lead, cadmium, chromium, copper, nickel, zinc, and mercury in stabilized treatment sludge.
Annex 1-C: Limit Values for Organic Compounds and Dioxins in Stabilized Treatment Sludge for Soil Use
This section includes tables with analyses and limit values for AOX (absorbable organic halogens), LAS (linear alkylbenzene sulfonate), DEHP (diethylhexyl phthalate), NPE (nonylphenol ethoxylate), PAH (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons), PCB (polychlorinated biphenyls), and PCDD/F (polychlorinated dibenzodioxins/dibenzofurans).
Annex 1-D: Microbiological Analysis
This section includes the analysis and limit value for E. coli (Escherichia coli).
Additional Parameters for Sludge Analysis
Beyond the regulation, AEM Laboratory also offers support for the following parameters in sludge analysis: pH determination, dry matter content, moisture determination, electrical conductivity, organic matter determination, phenol index determination, nitrogen determination, and phosphorus determination.
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