Characterization of the Sewage Sludge Samples Collected at Delhi, India

Abstract

This manuscript deals with the characterization of different sewage sludge samples. The physiochemical parameters such as pH, organic carbon, organic matter, Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN), C/N ratio, phosphate, potassium, calcium as well as sodium were evaluated for four different sewage sludge samples obtained in various parts of Delhi, India. The analysis report shows that the sewage sludge has an average value of pH equals to 6.78±0.28. The study revealed that the concentration of organic matter and organic carbon varied from 45.09 % to 49.41% and 77.73 % to 85.18 % respectively. The C/N ratio of the sewage sludge was high which ranged from 6.6 to 23.0 with a mean of 15.9. It was observed that the Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN) content ranged from 19.6 to 74.02 mg/g, whereas phosphate was found from 2.34 to 9.68 mg/g. The range of potassium concentrations was observed from 5.70 to 11.59 mg/g which shows that sewage sludge is a rich source of nutrients. The concentrations of calcium and sodium varied from 3.53 to 8.57 mg/g and 3.74 to 4.66 mg/g respectively. It can be concluded from the study that sewage sludge is useful in sustainable agricultural as it works as a soil conditioner and biological organic fertilizer. It can be useful in stimulating biological action, rejuvenating soil health as well as in improving the status of an organic matter and the humus content of the soil.