Characteristics and feasibility study of sewage sludge for landscaping application in xi an, china

Sheping Wang1,2,4, Xinan Liu1,2,4, Qin Zheng1, Zhengliang Yang3, Rixia Zhang1, Bohan Yin2,4

1 Xi an Municipal Engineering Design & Research Institute Co. Ltd, 710068 Xi an, P.R. China
2 Xi an University of Architecture and Technology, School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, 710055 Xi an, P.R. China
3 Northwest A & F University, 710018 Yangling Shaanxi, P.R. China
4 Xi an University of Architecture and Technology, School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, 710055 Xi an, P.R. China

Abstract


By investigating the basic physicochemical characteristics, nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) and heavy metal concentrations of the excess sludges from four wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) in Xi an city, the feasibility of applying sewage sludge to landscaping in Xi'an was studied. The results showed that the basic physicochemical properties of sewage sludge satisfy the requirement of most plants growth. The sewage sludges are rich of organisms, nitrogen and phosphorus, but relatively lacking in potassium. Meanwhile, most sewage sludges can meet landscaping requirements for contents of heavy metals. The experiments on seed germination suggested that sludge has some inhibiting effects on plants' germination and growth. Based on the comprehensive analysis, sewage sludge has been demonstrated with potential application of urban landscaping.

Keywords


landscaping; sewage sludge; sludge characteristics; waste water treatment plant

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