Changes in chemical and biological parameters during co-composting of anaerobically digested sewage sludges with lignocellulosic material

Abstract

This study reports a pilot experiment of composting of anaerobically digested sewage sludges deriving from the production of biogas in a wastewater treatment plant. Two composting piles (about 15 m³ each) were prepared by mixing 50% and 30% (v/v) sludges with lignocellulosic material. The composting process was monitored through determination of the main physicochemical properties. The stability of the composts was assessed by determination of the respiration index and dehydrogenase activity. The collected data indicated that, at both sludges concentrations, the process produced a compost suitable for agricultural applications as far as the physicochemical properties were concerned. On the other hand, in the pile containing 50% sludges, the maximum temperature of the thermophilic phase was lower than the temperature required (55°C) to ensure the sanitization of the compost. The germination and growth indexes of Lepidium sativum indicated the lack of phytotoxicity of the final materials. The suitability of the composts as field improvers and horticultural substrates has been attested through plant bioassays conducted on maize and chrysanthemum.

Keywords:

• Composting
• anaerobic sewage sludges
• plant assays

Acknowledgments

The authors wish to thank R. Giono, G. Polleri, L. Tacchini, and E. Nobile form CORDAR s.p.a. Biella Servizi.