Title: Sludge composting, sludge pretreatment and radiation technology: a review

Authors: Ackmez Mudhoo, Romeela Mohee

Addresses: Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Mauritius, Reduit, Mauritius. ' Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Mauritius, Reduit, Mauritius

Abstract: The paper reviews the state-of-the-art technologies on sludge conditioning and stabilisation. Radiation technology, best contextualised within the concept of Green Chemistry, is yet another developing area of sludge pretreatment. Besides revisiting some important aspects of sludge treatment by composting, this review paper also appraises the application of gamma ray and ultrasound irradiations particularly in sludge pretreatment and sludge composting for monitoring, and to some extent improving, the degradation and subsequent stabilisation of sludge constituents. The scientific principle of each type of radiation and selected research work are discussed, and future needs for applied research are eventually outlined.

Keywords: sludge composting; sludge pretreatment; radiation technology; gamma rays; ultrasound; green chemistry; sludge conditioning; sludge stabilisation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJETM.2010.038015

International Journal of Environmental Technology and Management, 2010 Vol.13 No.3/4, pp.372 - 399

Published online: 08 Jan 2011 *

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