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

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.