SLUDGE MANAGEMENT IN HIGHLY URBANIZED AREAS

The management of sewage sludge is becoming of even greater concern si nce the generated volumes are increasing as a result of extended sewer age and advanced wastewater treatments. Agricultural use and landfilli ng face growing difficulties due to sludge increased contamination obs erved and stricter disposal criteria introduced, while incineration co ntinues to be undesirable by the public, although technology is availa ble today to meet extremely stringent air quality standards and guaran tee a safe and convenient operation. Sludge management is particularly problematic in highly urbanized areas because of the large volumes in one location and the lack of suitable sites at convenient distance. I n this paper, management options applicable to large urban centers are outlined and several case histories in Western and Eastern Europe, N. America and Asia described. Copyright (C) 1996 IAWQ. Published by Els evier Science Ltd.