Survey on the quality of outlet biosolids and sludge heavy metals in the wastewater treatment plants of Mazandaran province

Journal Title: Environmental Health Engineering and Management Journal - Year 2023, Vol 10, Issue 3

Abstract

Background: Sewage sludge is rich in fecal coliforms, Salmonella, parasite eggs, and heavy metals that can cause disease in humans. The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of outlet biosolids and sludge heavy metals in the wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) in Mazandaran province and to compare them with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards. Methods: This study was carried out on the sludge of the treatment plants of Sari, Joybar, Babol, Babolsar, Nowshahr, and Nowshahr-Chalus sludge compost plants. In this study, physical, chemical, and biological properties of sludge samples including retention time, pH, total solids (TS), color, heavy metals (copper, zinc, nickel, cadmium, and chromium) as well as the density of fecal coliform, Salmonella and parasite eggs were determined and reported. Results: Biosolids of Joybar, Babol, Babolsar, and Nowshahr-Chalus WWTP in terms of parasite eggs were in class A. Biosolids of Sari WWTP in summer after drying off naturally were located in Class A, and in summer and spring, were located in Class B based on the US EPA criteria. The average concentration of heavy metals (copper, zinc, nickel, cadmium, and chromium) was lower than the EPA standard. Conclusion: The results showed that mostly the treated sewage sludge in Mazandaran WWTPs were in Class B of the EPA guideline. The concentration of heavy metals in the biosolids of these WWTPs is lower than the EPA regulation and the use of these biosolids in agriculture is not limited for these metals.

Authors and Affiliations

Zabihollah Yousefi, Reza Batabi, Hajar Ziaei Hezarjaribi, Noureddin Mousavi Nasab

Keywords

Related Articles

Microbiological contamination of commercial enteral feeding and blenderized tube feeding: A systematic review

Background: All types of enteral feeding (EF) formulations, whether blenderized tube feeding (BTF) at hospital kitchen, or commercial enteral feeding (CEF), contains nutrients. The nature of these foods (in terms of pH...

COVID-19 control management in central corona hospitals using SWOT and QSPM matrices: A case study in Kashan central hospitals

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, hospitals have been the most important centers for the virus spread. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the management of infection control in central corona hospitals in Ka...

The use of Anodonta cygnea as an indicator of heavy metal contamination in Anzali wetland

Background: Wetlands are among the most important ecosystems and areas of life that are ecologically and economically important in the world and susceptible for heavy metal contamination. The elements in water and sedi...

Physicochemical transformation of ZnO and TiO2 nanoparticles in sea water and its impact on bacterial toxicity

Background: The enormous properties of metal oxide nanoparticles make it possible to use these nanoparticles in a wide range of products. As their usage and application continue to expand, environmental health concerns h...

Impact of chlorpyrifos toxicity on gill damage of two species of freshwater fish in Lake Diatas

Background: Lake Diatas is one of the important lake which is influenced by agricultural activities around the lake, and chlorpyrifos is widely used as a pesticide in this area. This study aimed to analyze the damage of...

Download PDF file
  • EP ID EP720882
  • DOI 10.34172/EHEM.2023.32
  • Views 52
  • Downloads 0

How To Cite

Zabihollah Yousefi, Reza Batabi, Hajar Ziaei Hezarjaribi, Noureddin Mousavi Nasab (2023). Survey on the quality of outlet biosolids and sludge heavy metals in the wastewater treatment plants of Mazandaran province. Environmental Health Engineering and Management Journal, 10(3), -. https://europub.co.uk/articles/-A-720882