The Nitrogen Fertilizer Value of Selected South African Biosolids as Affected by Drying Depth on Beds

Tesfamariam, Eyob H.; Malobane, Elvis M.; Cogger, Craig C.; Mbakwe, Ikenna

Original scientific paper

Journal of Sustainable Development of Energy, Water and Environment Systems
Volume 9, Issue 2, 1080361
DOI: https://doi.org/10.13044/j.sdewes.d8.0361

Eyob H. Tesfamariam¹ , Elvis M. Malobane¹, Craig C. Cogger², Ikenna Mbakwe¹

¹ Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Pretoria, Lynnwood Rd, Hatfield, Pretoria, South Africa
² Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, Washington State University, Puyallup, Washington, United States of America

Abstract

Wastewater treatment and post-treatment drying techniques play a crucial role on the fertilizer value of biosolids. The aim of this study was to investigate: the nitrogen fertilizer value of biosolids from selected biosolid treatment and post treatment dewatering techniques (a) and the effect of drying depth and time on the nitrogen content of biosolid (b). To achieve the first aim, laboratory nitrogen mineralization study was conducted using thermally-hydrolysed-biosolid, activated-biosolid, and anaerobically-digested-biosolids. To achieve the second aim five drying depths were tested (5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 cm). Nitrogen release per tonne biosolid applied was highest for activated (24 kg), and lowest for anaerobically-digested-biosolid (6 kg). Highest total nitrogen was reported for 10 cm drying depth (3.63%) (4 weeks) and lowest for 25 cm (2.64%) (8 weeks). Selection of appropriate biosolid treatment and dewatering technique is key to improve fertilizer value of biosolids.

Keywords: Thermally-hydrolysed-biosolid, Activated-sludge, Anaerobically-digested-biosolid, Lignin, Soluble compounds, Cellulose, Drying bed, Nitrogen fertilizer value.

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