Parameters of Aerobic Biocomposting of Various Age Wastewater Sludge with the Addition of Plant Raw Materials

Abstract

Decades of accumulated wastewater sludge (WWS) at Ukrainian sewage treatment plants (STP) represent a significant environmental hazard. In European countries, the predominant methods for managing sludge at STPs are thermal drying and sludge incineration, both of which come with substantial initial and ongoing expenses. In Ukraine, a more cost-effective and energy-efficient solution is aerobic biocomposting of WWS, resulting in the production of an organo-mineral mixture. Depending on the input sludge, this mixture can be utilized for land restoration and landfill rehabilitation. The capital costs associated with the implementation of biocomposting are 3-5 times lower than for drying and 8-10 times lower than for incineration. The resulting compost contains a sufficient amount of nutrients necessary for plant growth and development. Extensive research has shown that the use of organo-mineral fertilizers derived from WWS increases the humus content and boosts crop yields. Nevertheless, the optimal methods for implementing biocomposting to produce versatile substrates for various biological reclamation projects remain very relevant.