MANUFACTURING OF CLAY BRICKS BY USING Water Treatment Plant SLUDGE

Abstract

Water treatment plant (WTP) sludge disposal is a major environmental concern that requires creative methods for management. In order to reduce the environmental impact of sludge disposal and improve the sustainability of the brick- making process, this study investigates the viability of using WTP sludge as an additional material in the production of clay bricks. The study looks into WTP sludge's physiochemical characteristics and prospective use as a raw material for brick manufacturing. The study investigates the impact of adding different amounts of WTP sludge to clay brick formulations on important factors such compressive strength, water absorption, and durability using experimental analysis. The findings show that adding WTP sludge can improve the characteristics of clay bricks; the best combinations outperform traditional bricks in terms of performance. Furthermore, by lowering the cost of raw materials and limiting waste disposal costs, the use of WTP sludge offers possible financial advantages. Environmental evaluations show that using WTP sludge in brick production has several sustainable benefits, such as lower energy use, carbon emissions, and a reliance on virgin resources. Furthermore, the use of sludge in bricks supports the circular economy and waste diversion initiatives. All things considered, this study shows that using WTP sludge in the manufacturing of clay bricks is a feasible and ecologically friendly strategy. Through the utilization of waste materials for applications with added value, this study provides valuable insights into tackling resource scarcity and environmental issues in the building sector. Key Words: Clay bricks, WTP sludge, Waste utilization, Industrial ecology, Waste-to-resource conversion.