Comparative Toxicity of Whole and Liquid Phase Sewage Sludges to Marine Organisms

Abstract

The chemical composition and acute toxicity of whole digested municipal sewage sludges from twelve water pollution control plants were collected, fractionated, and analyzed. The chemical composition and acute toxicity of whole sewage sludges were compared with those of liquid sewage sludge phases. The chemical constituents analyzed included nutrients, conventional parameters, and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency consent decree priority pollutants. Results indicated that most toxic constituents were associated with suspended solids and were therefore dramatically reduced in the liquid phase sludge fractions. Despite the dramatic reduction of metals, pesticides, and other organic compounds in the liquid sludge phases, there was a distinct trend towards equivalent phase toxicity to Atlantic silversides (Menidia menidia) and grass shrimp (Palaemonetes pugio). However, whole sludges were generally more toxic to mysids (Mysidopsis bahia) than were the liquid phase sludges. Evidence to support the hypothesis that ammonia may be the major contributor to overall toxicity of the sewage sludges tested is presented and discussed.