Abstract
Anaerobic digestion is widely considered as an environmentally friendly technology for various organic waste including sewage sludge. Although the implementation of anaerobic digestion as an alternative treatment method for sewage sludge can be seen in many countries, its status in Malaysia is not clear. This study reviewed the current state of sewage sludge treatment in Malaysia and discussed the challenges to promote anaerobic digestion in sewage sludge treatment. Other than the common constraints faced, namely technical, political and economic, the characteristics of sewage sludge in Malaysia is considered to be a factor regarding feasibility. Anaerobic co-digestion is the simultaneous anaerobic digestion of two or more substrates which is a promising possible option to overcome the disadvantages of mono-digestion, and improve the economic viability due to higher methane production. There are a variety of biomass as co-substrate in Malaysia. However, the anaerobic co-digestion of food waste and sewage sludge might be the most feasibility method to overcome such constraints. Adding food waste as co-substrate is suggested as the possible approach to not only improve the process’s performance but also help to handle the increasing volume of food waste in Malaysia. This study aimed to highlight the potential as well as to provide a starting point for further studies regarding the treatment of sewage sludge using anaerobic digestion in Malaysia.
Highlights
Sewage sludge is the residue produced by a wastewater treatment process and has the largest volume amongst all the components removed during the process
The amount of sludge is expected to increase. This is due to an increase in the percentage of households connected to central wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), increasingly tightening regulations on effluent discharges, as well as improved technologies in achieving higher efficiency in wastewater treatment (Werther and Ogada, 1999; Appels et al, 2008)
A well-organized system or structure that includes collection and separation of municipal solid waste would certainly lead to a more feasible anaerobic digestion process of sewage sludge. This this study we reviewed the current state of sewage sludge treatment in Malaysia and discussed the challenges to promote anaerobic digestion in sewage sludge treatment
Summary
Sewage sludge is the residue produced by a wastewater treatment process and has the largest volume amongst all the components removed during the process. The amount of sludge is expected to increase. This is due to an increase in the percentage of households connected to central wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), increasingly tightening regulations on effluent discharges, as well as improved technologies in achieving higher efficiency in wastewater treatment (Werther and Ogada, 1999; Appels et al, 2008). As the sludge itself may contain concentrated levels of contaminants that were initially included in the wastewater, the increasing sewage sludge has become a growing concern. Current primary disposal methods for sewage sludge are agricultural use, landfill, and incineration. Each technique has its particular issues which relate to public health as well as its environmental impacts (Fytili and Zabaniotou, 2008)
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
