Journal of Environmental Biology

Sewage sludge quality assessment of sewage treatment plant, Bhagwanpur, Varanasi and its safe  utilization in agriculture 

H.S. Jatav^1,2, S.K. Singh², S.S. Jatav², A.M. Latare², V. Kumar³  and P. Singh² 

¹Soil Science & Agricultural Chemistry, Sri Karan Narendra Agriculture University, Jobner-303 329, India

²Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi-221 005, India

³Department of Agricultural Chemistry, Chaudhary Shivnath Singh Shandilya (P.G.) College, Machhra-250 106, India

*Corresponding Author Email : hanumaniasbhu@gmail.com

Received: 13.06.2020                                                                   Revised: 15.11.2020                                                    Accepted: 15.12.2020

Abstract

Aim: To study about the sewage sludge treatment process and its physico-biochemical analysis of sewage sludge for feasible use.

Methodology: Sewage sludge samples were collected from sewage treatment plant, Bhagwanpur, Varanasi, India and processed through 2 mm sieve and further analyzed for different physical, chemical and biological analysis and compared with standard.

Results: Sewage sludge consisted multi-element along with a good amount of organic matter.  However, sewage sludge also contained some amount of heavy metals and organic pollutants that can adversely affect soil micro-organisms.      

Interpretation: Sewage sludge application in soil offers essential nutrients for plant growth and decreases environmental and economic factors that restrict landfill or incineration disposal of sewage sludge. However, a careful assessment of the characteristics of soil and sewage sludge, as well as plant species to be grown, is required prior to soil application of sewage sludge. The present study will support the use of sewage sludge in agriculture to improve the soil health with a safe limit application.       

Key words: Heavy metals, Nutrient status, Sewage treatment plants, Sewage sludge

Copyright © 2021 Triveni Enterprises. All rights reserved. No part of the Journal can be reproduced in any form without prior permission. Responsibility regarding the authenticity of the data, and the acceptability of the conclusions enforced or derived, rest completely with the author(s).