Sludge from wastewater treatment plants is often dried and landfilled. But why? It's carbon rich. It's nutrient rich. It holds endless possibility. Finally, New York City is giving it a chance.
What are some things sludge is good for?
FERTILIZER: sludge has high levels of nitrates, phosphates, and sulfates, which are essential for crop growth. Billions of dollars are spent on these types of fertilizers every year. Note: Direct application of sludge to fields can cause contamination of ground and surface waters.
ENERGY: Through anaerobic digestion (see diagram), sludge can be converted to methane gas. Energy can also be obtained by incineration.
ALGAE/BACTERIA: Biological mechanisms of obtaining useful products, such as energy, often require the nutrients that sludge provides.
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| By allowing acetogenic and methanogenic microbes to digest the sludge, biogas (methane+CO2) is produced |
What are some things sludge is good for?
FERTILIZER: sludge has high levels of nitrates, phosphates, and sulfates, which are essential for crop growth. Billions of dollars are spent on these types of fertilizers every year. Note: Direct application of sludge to fields can cause contamination of ground and surface waters.
ENERGY: Through anaerobic digestion (see diagram), sludge can be converted to methane gas. Energy can also be obtained by incineration.
ALGAE/BACTERIA: Biological mechanisms of obtaining useful products, such as energy, often require the nutrients that sludge provides.
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