A study on the physico-chemical properties of paper mill sludge

Abstract

Investigations were done to characterize the paper mill sludge (PMS) as a soil amendment for the production of crops. Laboratory analysis was done at Anbil Dharmalingam Agricultural College and Research Institute, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu during 2014–15. PMS samples were collected from the Tamil Nadu Newsprint and Papers Ltd (TNPL), Kagithapuarm, Karur district, Tamil Nadu, dried and stored for analysis. PMS was characterized and analysed for its important physico-chemical properties. It was dark brown in colour with unpleasant odour. Important basic characteristics of PMS samples were studied. The physical parameters like bulk density, particle density, porosity and moisture content were 1.37 (Mg/m3), 1.89 (Mg/m3), 39 per cent and 12.19 per cent respectively. The PMS was found to be neutral in reaction having pH 7.26 and the EC was 2.19 dS/m. Among the major nutrients, sulphate (18.21%) was found in higher quantity followed by calcium (2.26%), nitrogen (1.74%), potassium (1.73%) and phosphorus (0.97%). The organic carbon content (OC) was 9.3 per cent. The exchangeable cations like Ca, Mg, Na and K were also present in the same order. The DTPA micronutrients were present in the order of Mn >Fe >Zn >Cu.