sludge

Sewage sludge is generated during wastewater treatment and contains nutrients such as nitrogen or phosphorus as well as problematic or toxic substances. Due to the provisions of the Landfill Ordinance, untreated sewage sludge may no longer be landfilled. The use of sewage sludge in agriculture has also been controversial for decades and banned in Bavaria and Switzerland. In order to ensure the treatment of sewage sludge and to optimise its management, innovative processes need to be developed. The study shows current developments in the treatment of sewage sludge such as processes of decentralized sewage sludge incineration and phosphorus recovery. It also provides an overview of the volume, composition and treatment of sewage sludge in Austria, the legal framework and waste prevention.