Land application of phosphorus-laden sludge: a feasibility analysis

An investigation was conducted to examine aerobic digestion of the phosphorus-laden sludge produced at the Regina Wastewater Treatment Plant and feasibility of land use of this sludge combined with the dewatered anaerobically digested primary sludge from this plant. Experimental studies showed that aerobic digestion can be employed for the stabilization of the chemical sludge. Results of the feasibility analysis showed that mixing the two digested sludges met the heavy metal criteria set by various guidelines for agricultural use, presented the advantage of an increased concentration of nutrients and a decreased concentration of heavy metals, and a longer useful life of the agricultural site compared to using dewatered anaerobically digested primary sludge alone. Land application of the mixed digested sludges would be a more appropriate method of sludge disposal compared to the present practice of landfilling the dewatered sludge and lagooning the chemical sludge.