Sludge dewatering in a conventional plant with phosphorus removal-I: Analysis of additional costs

Abstract

The aim of this research is to assess the differences in quantity and quality of sludges produced in a conventional activated sludge plant, modified for phosphorus chemical removal. Tests were carried out at the Cesenatico sewage treatment plant, where in summer phosphorus is removed simultaneously to the biological process with the aid of aluminium or ferrous sulphate. Characteristics of the sludge produced with or without phosphorus removal were compared. The sludge was then dewatered by a centrifuge and a filter-press on pilot scale and many tests were carried out under different operating conditions. In this part, the plant's most important performances are discussed with regard to phosphorus removal efficiency, sludge production, characteristics and dewaterability. The experiments showed that phosphorus could be removed up to residual concentration of 1.6 mg 1 −1 without detrimental effects on the biological process, with an increase of sludge production of 21 and 36% using aluminium or ferrous sulphate respectively. On the basis of experimental results a costs analysis was carried out to assess the costs for phosphorus removal, including the additional ones for sludge conditioning, dewatering and cake transport to landfill. It results that additional costs vary from 3290 to 6380 Lit per capita per year (29–54%). The higher costs refer to smaller plants (50,000 inhabitants), in which aluminium sulphate is used and sludge dewatered by centrifuge. The use of ferrous rather than aluminium sulphate allows savings of 1300–1600 Lit per capita per year.