Treatment and disposal of domestic sewage sludge and nightsoil sludge for Bangkok

Abstract

In the recent past, treatment and disposal of sewage sludge has become an expensive and environmentally sensitive problem in western countries. It is becoming a growing problem worldwide with its focus on the megacities in the newly developed countries, since sludge production will continue to increase as new sewage treatment plants are built and environmental quality standards become more stringent. With some traditional disposal routes comimg under pressure, the challenge facing the wastewater treatment authorities is to find cost-effective and environmentally sound solutions whilst responding to increasing public awareness. This paper describes the development of a plan for integrated management of municipal sludges (sewage sludge, nightsoil/septage sludge) which has high security for medium-and long-term sludge utilization and disposal as the goal. It concludes that incineration and agricultural use should be implemented and operated in parallel as first priority options.