Abstract
The characteristics of four kinds of sludge obtained from different drinking water treatment plants in Australia and China were contrastively analyzed in this study using x-ray fluorescence, scanning electron microscopy, and x-ray diffraction. The conducted SAI test determined the pozzolanic reactivity of drinking water sludge ash (DWSA), which was derived from the grinding and calcination of drinking water treatment sludge (DWTS). The results indicated that the Al2O3 and SiO2 were the main components of DWTS, and the main crystalline minerals in DWTS were quartz, kaolinite, and aluminum sulfate hydroxide hydrate, which can be transformed into the reactive amorphous state after calcination at 800 ºC. Also, the SAI index of DWSA-derived mortar samples met the requirement, indicating a satisfying pozzolanic reactivity. Therefore, the DWTA was possible to be recycled as a pozzolan in cement-based materials.
Highlights
Drinking water treatment sludge (DWTS) is the aluminum-based waste derived from the drinking water purification processes [1]
To provide a scientific insight into the feasibility of utilizing DWTS in cementbased materials, this study aims to: (i) contrastive analyze the properties of DWTS from four different water treatment plants (WTPs), (ii) analyze the possibility of activating sludge by calcination according to its mineralogical composition, (iii) investigate the pozzolanic reactivity of obtained drinking water sludge ash (DWSA)
There were relatively large differences in calcium content between different DWTS. This might be related to the amount of Ca(OH)2 used by WTPs aimed to adjust the pH of drinking water
Summary
Drinking water treatment sludge (DWTS) is the aluminum-based waste derived from the drinking water purification processes [1]. To meet the required water quality standards, the water treatment plants (WTPs) remove various harmful impurities in raw water through coagulation, precipitation, filtration, and disinfection. Coagulants such as aluminum salt are usually used to destroy the stability between colloids and promote the formation of particle agglomerates [2]. The disposal of enormous DWTS has been a major environmental challenge for the water treatment industry. Disposing of DWTS by sanitary landfill wastes land and may cause environmental issues related to secondary pollution [5]. It is essential to dispose of DWTS in an economical and environmentally friendly manner
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
