Scientific basis of dissolved organic carbon limitation for landfilling of municipal treatment sludge - Is it attainable and justifiable?

S. Sözen*, E. Ubay Cokgor, G. Insel, D. Okutman Tas, H. Dulkadiroglu, C. Karaca, A. Filibeli, S. Meric, D. Orhon

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

12 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

This study evaluated the scientific and technical basis of the dissolved organic carbon (DOC) limitation imposed on municipal sludge for landfilling, mainly for assessing the attainability of the implemented numerical level. For this purpose, related conceptual framework was analyzed, covering related sewage characteristics, soluble microbial products generation, and substrate solubilization and leakage due to hydrolysis. Soluble COD footprint was experimentally established for a selected treatment plant, including all the key steps in the sequence of wastewater treatment and sludge handling. Observed results were compared with reported DOCs in other treatment configurations. None of the leakage tests performed or considered in the study could even come close to the prescribed limitation. All observed results reflected 10-20 fold higher DOC levels than the numerical limit of 800. mg/kg (80. mg/L), providing conclusive evidence that the DOC limitation imposed on municipal treatment sludge for landfilling is not attainable, and therefore not justifiable on the basis of currently available technology.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1657-1666
Number of pages10
JournalWaste Management
Volume34
Issue number9
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Sept 2014

Keywords

  • Dissolved organic carbon
  • EU legislation
  • Hydrolysis
  • Landfilling
  • Municipal sludge
  • Soluble microbial product

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