Skip to main content

Conversion of Sewage Sludge to Biosolids

  • Chapter
Biosolids Engineering and Management

Part of the book series: Handbook of Environmental Engineering ((HEE,volume 7))

Abstract

With the increasing generation of sewage sludge, its proper handling and disposal play a critical role in protecting our environment. Sustainable sludge treatment and management depend on controlling the quantity, quality, and characteristics of biosolids in favor of efficient sludge handling and biosolids beneficial use. One of the ultimate goals in the treatment is to convert sludge into biosolids or a product subject to subsequent treatment, in simplified operations that are cost-effective and environmentally safe. This chapter discusses the main treatment processes—clarification, stabilization, conditioning, thickening, dewatering, and drying—of sludge. The principle, operation, relevant diagrams, and criteria of each treatment method are presented. A case study of sludge management operation is also included.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 169.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 219.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 219.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  1. L. K. Wang, N. K. Shammas and Y. T. Hung (eds.) Biosolids Treatment Processes, 820 pp, Humana Press, Totowa, NJ (2007).

    Google Scholar 

  2. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Multi-stage Anaerobic Digestion, US EPA/832/F- 06/031, Washington, DC (2006).

    Google Scholar 

  3. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Emerging Technologies for Biosolids Management, US EPA/832/R-06/005, Washington, DC (2006).

    Google Scholar 

  4. W. E. Toffey and M. Higgins, Results of trials and chemicals, enzymes and biological agents for reducing odorant intensity of biosolids. In: Proceedings of the WEF Residuals and Biosolids Management Conference 2006: Bridging to the Future, Cincinnati, OH, March 12–14 (2006).

    Google Scholar 

  5. B. Rabinowitz and R. Stephen, Full-scale demonstration of waste-activated sludge homog-enization at the Los Angeles Country Joint Water Pollution Control Plant. In: Proceedings of the WEF/AWWA Joint Residuals and Biosolids Management Conference, Cincinnati, OH, March 12–15 (2006).

    Google Scholar 

  6. H. R. Salsali and S. Sattar, Influence of staged operation of mesophilic anaerobic digestion on microbial reduction. Presented at WEFTEC, Washington, DC (2005).

    Google Scholar 

  7. A. C. Robert, Standard Handbook of Environmental Engineering, McGraw-Hill, New York (1989).

    Google Scholar 

  8. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Biosolids Technology Fact Sheet Gravity Thickening, US EPA/832/F-03/022, Washington, DC (2003).

    Google Scholar 

  9. 40 CFR, Part 503 standards for the use and disposal of sewage sludge, Electronic Code of Federal Regulations, Washington, DC, June 20 (2007).

    Google Scholar 

  10. R. E. Weiner and R. A. Matthews, Environmental Engineering, 4th ed., pp. 510, Butterworth-Heineman, New York (2003).

    Google Scholar 

  11. O. S. Amuda and A. Alade, Coagulation/flocculation process in the treatment of abattoir wastewater, Desalination, 196, 1–3, 22–31, September (2002).

    Google Scholar 

  12. O. S. Amuda and I. A. Amoo, Coagulation/flocculation and sludge conditioning in the treatment of industrial wastewater, Journal of Hazardous Materials, 141, 3, 778–783, March (2007).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  13. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Biosolids Technology Fact Sheet Alkaline Stabilization of Biosolids, US EPA/832/F-00/052, Washington, DC (2000).

    Google Scholar 

  14. G. Tchobanoglous and F. L. Burton, Wastewater Engineering Treatment, Disposal and Reuse, 3rd ed. Tata, McGraw-Hill, New Delhi, India (1995).

    Google Scholar 

  15. J. Blais, N. Meunier, G. Mercier, P. Drogui and R. D. Tyagi, Pilot plant study of simultaneous sewage sludge digestion and metal leaching, Journal of Environmental Engineering-ASCE, 130, 5, 516–525 (2004).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  16. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Innovative and Alternative Technology Assessment Manual, US EPA/430/9-78/009, Cincinnati, OH (1978).

    Google Scholar 

  17. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Multi-Stage Anaerobic Digestion, US EPA/832/F- 06/031, Washington, DC (2006).

    Google Scholar 

  18. T. Wilson and L. Potts, An Update on Full Scale 2-Phase AG Systems-2003, presented at WEFTEC (2003).

    Google Scholar 

  19. F. Chang, L. Otten, E. Lepange and V. Opstal, Is 100% Diversion from Land Fill an Achievable Good? A Report to New and Emerging Engineering, Policies and Practices Advisory Group, Canada (2004).

    Google Scholar 

  20. K. M. Foxo, S. Pillay, T. Lalbahdur, N. Rodda, F. Holder and C. A. Buckley, The anaerobic baffled reactor (ABR): an appropriate technology for on-site sanitation, Water, 30, 5, 44–50 (2004).

    Google Scholar 

  21. I. Willis and P. Schafer, Upgrading to Class A anaerobic digestion: is your biosolids program ready to make the move? Public Works Magazine (2006).

    Google Scholar 

  22. K. Esters, Columbus water works honored techniques that turns human waste into safe fertilizer, Water Industries News (2005).

    Google Scholar 

  23. C. Burnett, Pilot test result of the bio terminator high rate plug flow anaerobic digester improvements in dewaterability. In: Proceedings of the WEF/AWWA Joint Residuals and Biosolids Management Conference, Nashville, TN (2005).

    Google Scholar 

  24. J. L. Richards and Associate Ltd. Ravens View WPCP Secondary Treatment and Capacity Upgrades Class A Update?. Technical Memo No. 5—Biosolids. Management Upgrades. Prepared for Utilities Kingson (2004).

    Google Scholar 

  25. D. C. Inman, S. Murthy, P. Schafer, J. Schlegel, J. Webb and J. T. Novak, A comparative study of two-state thermophilic single-sage mesophilic and temperature-phased anaerobic digestion. In: Proceedings of the WEF/AWWA Joint Residuals and Biosolids Management Conference, Nashville, TN (2005).

    Google Scholar 

  26. D. Steven, J. Kelly, C. Liston and D. Oemete, Biosolids management in England and France, Water, 29, 1, 56–61, (2002).

    Google Scholar 

  27. S. A. Lee, D. D. Drury, C. A. Baker, J. S. Bowers and R. H. Nienhuis, Three-phase ther-mophilic digestion disinfects biosolids, Water Environment Research Federation Biosolids Technical Bulletin, 8, 6, 5–7, (2003).

    Google Scholar 

  28. H. G. Kelly, Engineering Technologies in Biosolids Treatment, West Vancouver, Canada, (2003).

    Google Scholar 

  29. European Environmental Press, Europe: Using Ozone to Reduce Sludge. http://www.waterandwastewater.com/www_services/news_center/publish/article_00540.shtml (2005).

  30. R. Vranitsky and J. Lahnsteiner. Sewage sludge disintegration using ozone—a method of enhancing the anaerobic stabilization of sewage sludge. In: Proceedings of the European Biosolids and Organic Residuals Workshop, Conference and Exhibition (2002).

    Google Scholar 

  31. R. S. Reimers, V. K. Sharma, S. D. Pilliai and D. R. Reinhard, Application of ferrates in biosolids and manure management with respect to disinfection and stabilization. In: Proceedings of the WEF/AWWA Joint Residuals and Biosolids Management Conference, Nashville, TN (2005).

    Google Scholar 

  32. H. Kim, P. Millner, V. Sharma, L. McConnell, A. Torrents, M. Ramirez and C. Peot, Ferrate: nature's most powerful oxidizer: it's potential as disinfection, Treatment for Thickened Sludge, http://www.ars.usda.gov/research/publications/Publications.htm?seq_no_115=190364 (2006).

  33. A. Chao, Quality improvement of biosolids by ferrate (VI) oxidation of offensive odor compounds, IWA Publishing Journal, http://www.iwapouline.com/wst033030119.htm, August 8 (2006).

  34. R. S. Reimers, L. S. Pratt-Ward, H. B. Bradford, F. P. Jussari and W. Schmitz, Development of neutralizer process for disinfection and stabilization of municipal wastewater residues. In: Proceedings of the WEF Residuals and Biosolids Management Conference 2006, Bridging to the Future, Cincinnati, OH, March 12–14 (2006).

    Google Scholar 

  35. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, In Vessel Composting of Biosolids, US EPA/332/R-00/061, Washington, DC (2000).

    Google Scholar 

  36. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Biosolids Technology Fact Sheet Use of Composting for Biosolids Management, US EPA/832/F-02/024, Washington, DC (2002).

    Google Scholar 

  37. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Process Design Manual for Sludge Treatment and Disposal, US EPA/625/1-74/006, Washington, DC (1974).

    Google Scholar 

  38. Metcalf and Eddy, Inc., Wastewater Engineering Treatment and Reuse, 4th ed., McGraw-Hill, New York (2003).

    Google Scholar 

  39. Japanese Advanced Environmental Equipment, BIODIET®. Global Environmental Technology Database NETT21 (2002).

    Google Scholar 

  40. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Biosolids and Residuals Management Fact Sheet Odor Control in Biosolids Management, US EPA/832/F-00/067, Washington, DC (2000).

    Google Scholar 

  41. S. S. Schiffman, J. M. Walker, P. Dalton, T. S. Lorrig, J. H. Raymer, D. Shusterman and C. M. Williams, Potential health effects of odor from animal operation, wastewater treatment and recycling of byproducts, Journal of Agromedicine, 7, 1, 7–82 (2000).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  42. Metcalf and Eddy, Inc., Wastewater Engineering Treatment Disposal Reuse, 2nd ed., McGraw-Hill, New York (1979).

    Google Scholar 

  43. R. W. Moncrieff, The Chemical Series, 3rd ed., Leonard Hill, London (1967).

    Google Scholar 

  44. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and U.S. Department of Agriculture, Guide to Field Storage of Biosolids and Other Organic By-Products Used in Agriculture and for Soil Resource Management, US EPA/832/B-00/007, Washington, DC (2000).

    Google Scholar 

  45. J. R. Hentz, H. C. Lawrence and R. Alan, Separating solids solves odor emission problems, Biosolids Technical Bulletin, July/August (2000).

    Google Scholar 

  46. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Biosolids Generation, Use, and Disposal in the United States, US EPA/530/R-99/009, Washington, DC (1999).

    Google Scholar 

  47. D. Dursun, A. Ayol and S. K. Dentel. Pretreatment of biosolids by multi-enzyme mixtures leads to dramatic improvements in dewaterability. In: Proceedings of the WEF/AWWA Joint Residuals and Biosolids Management Conference, Cincinnati, OH, March 12–15 (2006).

    Google Scholar 

  48. T. E. Vik, Anaerobic Digester Methane to Energy: A statewide Assessment, A report to Focus on Energy, McM. No. W0937-920459, Wisconsin (2003).

    Google Scholar 

  49. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Clean Sheds Needs Survey 2000, US EPA/832/R-03/001, Washington, DC (2000).

    Google Scholar 

  50. Electric Power Research Institute, Mechanical Freeze/Thaw and Freeze Concentration of Water and Wastewater Residuals, WO-671002, Palo Alto, CA (2001).

    Google Scholar 

  51. J. Sheridan and B. Cutis, Case book: revolutionary technology cuts biosolids production and costs, Pollution Engineering, 36, 5, (2004).

    Google Scholar 

  52. Global Energy Partners LLC, Solid Handling for Water and Wastewater Treatment: Tech Review, Lafayette, CA (2006).

    Google Scholar 

  53. Electric Power Research Institute, Engineering Environmental Technologies: An Analysis of New Treatment Technologies for the California Energy Commission, Palo Alto, CA (2003).

    Google Scholar 

  54. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Process Design Manual for Dewatering Municipal Wastewater Sludges, US EPA/625/1-82/014, Cincinnati, OH (1982).

    Google Scholar 

  55. N. P. Cheremisinoff, Handbook of Water and Wastewater Treatment Technologies, pp. 654, Butterworth-Heinemann, New York (2002).

    Google Scholar 

  56. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Biosolids Technology Fact Sheet Centrifuge Thickening and Dewatering, US EPA/832/F-00/053, Washington, DC (2000).

    Google Scholar 

  57. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Biosolids Technology Fact Sheet Belt Filter Press, US EPA 832-F-00-057, Washington, DC (2000).

    Google Scholar 

  58. E. P. A. Coopman, H. P. Schivarz and M. J. Pryor, The dewatering of a mining sludge containing hexavalent chromium using a tubular filter press, A South African Development Water Supply 1, 5–6, 371–376 (2001).

    Google Scholar 

  59. R. T. Henderson and S. T. Schultz, Centrifuges versus belt presses in San Bernardino, California. In: Proceedings of WEF/AWWA Joint Residuals and Biosolids Management Conference: Strategic Networking for the 21st Century, Water Environment Federation, Arlington, VA (1999).

    Google Scholar 

  60. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Biosolids Technology Fact Sheet Recessed-Plate Filter Press, US EPA/832/F-00/058, Washington, DC (2000).

    Google Scholar 

  61. M. McFarland, Biosolids Engineering, McGraw-Hill, New York (2000).

    Google Scholar 

  62. A. Evans, Biosolids reduction and the Deskin quick dry filter bed. In: Proceedings of the 65th Annual Water Industry Engineers and Operators' Conference, pp. 67–75, Geelong, September 4–5 (2002).

    Google Scholar 

  63. American Society of Civil Engineers, Wastewater Treatment Plant Design, Water Pollution Control Federation Manual of Practice No. 8, PA (1977).

    Google Scholar 

  64. WERF, Demystifying the dewatering process new techniques and technologies shed light on a complex process, WERF Progress Newsletter. http://www.werf.us/press/springo6/dewatering.cfm, WERF Alexandria, VA (2006).

    Google Scholar 

  65. M. Abu-Orf, C. D. Miller, C. Park and J. J. Novak J.J., Innovative technologies to reduce water content of dewatered municipal residuals, Science and Technology, 1,2, 83–91, (2001).

    Google Scholar 

  66. P. S. Atherton, R. Stetson, T. McGovern and D. Smith, Innovative biosolids dewatering system proved a successful part of the upgrade to the old town Maine Water Pollution Control Facility. In: Proceeding of the 2005 WEFTEC The Water Quality Event, pp. 6050–6665, Washington, DC (2005).

    Google Scholar 

  67. G. Kolisch, M. Boehler, F. C. Arancibia, D. Pinnow and K. V. Kraus, A new approach to improve sludge dewatering using a semicontinuous hydraulic press system, Water Science Technology, 52, 10–11, 211–218 (2005).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  68. F Soroustian, Y Shang, E. J. Whitman and R. Roxburgh, Biosolids and manure dewatering with a hydraulic de-juicing press. In: Proceedings of the WEF Residuals and Biosolids Management Conference 2006, Bridging to the future, Cincinnati, OH, March 12–14 (2006).

    Google Scholar 

  69. C. Rand, East of Scotland water cuts treatment costs. http://www.entingeringtalk.com/news/sim/sim102html (2000).

  70. WaterSolve LLC. http://www.gowatersolve.com/geotubes (2006).

  71. B. J. Mastin and G. E. Lebster, Dewatering with Geotube® containers: a good fit for a midwest wastewater facility? In: Proceedings of the WEF Residuals and Biosolids Management Conference 2006: Bridging to the Future, Cincinnati, OH, March 12–14 (2006).

    Google Scholar 

  72. R. Bastian, The biosolids (sludge) treatment, beneficial use, and disposal situation in the USA, European Water Pollution Control Journal, 7, 2, 62–79, March (1997).

    Google Scholar 

  73. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Biosolids Technology Fact Sheet Heat Drying, US EPA/832/F-06/029, Washington, DC (2006).

    Google Scholar 

  74. King County Department of Natural Resources, Regional Wastewater Service Plan, Annual Report Wastewater Treatment Division, King County, WA (2001).

    Google Scholar 

  75. B. Frewerd, Harnessing the Power of Biosolids. Krugerine Cary, NC (2006).

    Google Scholar 

  76. J. T. Novak, D. H. Chon, B. A. Curtis and M. Doyle, Reduction of sludge generation using the cannibal process: mechanism and performance. In: Proceedings of the WEF Residuals and Biosolids Management Conference 2006, Bridging to the future, Cincinnati, OH, March 12–14 (2006).

    Google Scholar 

  77. J. T. Novak, D. H. Chon, B. A. Curtis and M. Doyle, Reduction of sludge generation using the cannibal process: mechanism and performance. In: Proceedings of the WEF Residuals and Biosolids Management Conference 2006, Bridging to the future, Cincinnati, OH, March 12–14 (2006).

    Google Scholar 

  78. A. Singh, F. Mosher, O. P. Ward and W. Key, An advanced biosolids treatment and processing technology for beneficial application of high solids and pathogen free product. In: Proceeding of the 3rd Canadian Organic Residues and Biosolids Management Conference, Calgary, Canada, June 1–4 (2005).

    Google Scholar 

  79. Water and Energy Technology Application Service, Solids Handling for Water and Wastewater Treatment. http://www.nyserda.org/Programs/Environment/SolidsHandling-TechReview.pdf. (2006).

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2008 Humana Press, a part of Springer Science+Business Media, LLC

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Amuda, O.S., Deng, A., Alade, A.O., Hung, YT. (2008). Conversion of Sewage Sludge to Biosolids. In: Wang, L.K., Shammas, N.K., Hung, YT. (eds) Biosolids Engineering and Management. Handbook of Environmental Engineering, vol 7. Humana Press. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-59745-174-1_2

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics