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
- EP ID EP720882
- DOI 10.34172/EHEM.2023.32
- Views 48
- Downloads 0
The relationship between the characteristics of Biochar produced at different temperatures and its impact on the uptake of NO3--N
Background: Nitrogen leaching from agricultural lands is a major threat to groundwater and surface waters. This study investigated the relationship between the characteristics of wheat-straw biochar produced at different...
Risk assessment of noise pollution by analyzing the level of sound loudness resulting from central traffic in Shiraz
Background: Today, the effects of environmental pollution on human life and human needs, which reduces the level of community health caused by traffic noise in large cities, are clearly visible by creating irritation and...
Nitrogen removal by floating constructed wetland: Decontamination of the Buriganga River
Background: Buriganga is considered as one of the most important river in the country. But, its water quality has changed dramatically, which is responsible for creating unfavorable conditions for aquatic life. The mai...
The relationship between particulate matter and kidney biomarkers in pregnant women: A case study in Yazd city
Background: Cities negatively affect the environment. Urban pollution levels have risen considerably, affecting sensitive groups such as pregnant women. Methods: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between...
Evaluation of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on photochemical pollution in urban areas
Background: The effect of confinement due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on air pollution has been investigated in several cities. Indeed, the concentration of the main air pollutants have decrease...