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Disinfection and Stabilization Processes
Citation:
Smith, Jr., J. E., B. Acquisto, AND M. C. MECKES. Disinfection and Stabilization Processes. Chapter 15, Solids Process Design and Management, ISBN: 9780071780957 . Water Environment Federation, Alexandria, VA, , 637-682, (2012).
Impact/Purpose:
To inform the public.
Description:
Municipal wastewater sludges are composed of organic and inorganic contaminants from domestic, commercial and industrial wastewaters entering collection systems. Many options are available for ultimate disposal of residual solids, however few of these options provide for beneficial reuse. Land application of process residuals provides nutrients and conditions the soil for enhanced crop production. In order for land application to be safe and sustainable, concerns over potential pathogens and putrescible wastes must be addressed. The U.S. EPA has developed regulations which specify treatment of municipal sludges prior to land application which address pathogen reduction and stabilization of prior to land application. This chapter discusses which treatment processes are most effective in minimizing the densities of indicator organisms and pathogens. It also discusses the options available for vector attraction reduction and stabilization of process residuals for land application.