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MONITORING OF HEAVY METALS, EOX AND LAS IN SEWAGE SLUDGE FOR AGRICULTURAL USE: A CASE STUDY

  • Ali Khakbaz - Department Polytechnic of Engineering and Architecture, University of Udine, Italy
  • Maria De Nobili - Department of Agricultural, Food, Environmental and Animal Sciences (DI4A), University of Udine, Italy
  • Matia Mainardis - Department Polytechnic of Engineering and Architecture, University of Udine, Italy
  • Marco Contin - Department of Agricultural, Food, Environmental and Animal Sciences (DI4A), University of Udine, Italy
  • Eleonora Aneggi - Department Polytechnic of Engineering and Architecture, University of Udine, Italy
  • Michele Mattiussi - Laboratorio Analisi Ambientali e Matrici Sanitarie, ARPA FVG, Italy
  • Igino Cabras - Laboratorio Analisi Ambientali e Matrici Sanitarie, ARPA FVG, Italy
  • Marco Busut - Laboratorio Analisi Ambientali e Matrici Sanitarie, ARPA FVG, Italy
  • Daniele Goi - Department Polytechnic of Engineering and Architecture, University of Udine, Italy

DOI 10.31025/2611-4135/2020.13993

Released under CC BY-NC-ND

Copyright: © 2019 CISA Publisher

Abstract

Subsequent to the increasing diffusion of wastewater treatment, particularly in high- and middle-income countries, the sewage sludge generated should be treated and valorised in an ecological and economic way, thus contributing to the circular economy. In this study, the monitoring of Heavy Metals (HM), Extractable Organic Halogens (EOX) and Linear Alkylbenzene Sulphonate (LAS) in sewage sludge from 10 different wastewater treatment plants located in Friuli Venezia Giulia (Italy) was reported, and their macronutrient content provided. The obtained results showed, for all tested samples, that HM content in sewage sludge was below the maximum permitted limits provided for by Italian and European regulations for agricultural reuse. Comparison with a similar monitoring campaign carried out in 2006 revealed how, while wastewater treatment plants efficiently resolved water pollution, they accumulated heavy metals and other persistent toxic compounds in sludge, thus restricting their potential reuse. Consequently, consistent and regular sludge monitoring should be undertaken to prevent soil and groundwater contamination. These outcomes could be of particular relevance for the future perspective of agricultural reuse of sewage sludge in waste management practices.

Keywords

Editorial History

  • Received: 25 Sep 2019
  • Revised: 24 Mar 2020
  • Accepted: 25 Mar 2020
  • Available online: 24 Jul 2020

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