Sludge is a waste stream associated with many industrial processes and treatment systems. Characterisation of dried or dewatered sludge is required to determine suitable disposal or reuse options. Additionally, many wastewater treatment processes rely on biological sludge for treatment and therefore characterisation of the sludge is essential to ensure effective treatment occurs.
Simmonds & Bristow's laboratories are experienced in testing both dried sludges and activated sludge from treatment processes.
Typical parameters for dried sludge include:
- pH
- Conductivity
- Volatile solids
- Percent solids
- Metals (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Hg, Ni, Se, Zn)
- Petroleum hydrocarbons
- BTEX
- Bacteriological:
- Enteric viruses
- Helminth ova
- E.coli
- Faecal coliforms
- Salmonella
The results from this analysis will enable our consultants to recommend suitable disposal or reuse options. Where the sludge is not suitable for disposal to registered waste facilities or for onsite reuse treatment, recommendations can be made.
Typical analytical parameters for activated sludge include:
- Suspended solids
- Microscopic inspection
- Volatile solids
- Settled sludge volume
The results from this analysis will enable our consultants to give operational advice to ensure the composition of the activated sludge is optimal for treatment purposes.