Sludge and Biosolid Management

Introduction and Learning Goals

This training aims to introduce the basics of sludge and biosolid management, providing an overview of the appropriate faecal sludge and biosolid management systems and processes that may be employed to ultimately ensure safe and responsible handling of sludge and biosolids, up until their safe disposal or reuse.

Additionally, if you have any questions and/or comments regarding the course content, please send them to octopus@solidarites.org via email and we will do our best to clarify any queries you may have.

The training is divided into nine modules with the following learning objectives.

 1 Introduction to Sludge and Biosolids

• Understand the difference between faecal sludge and biosolids
• Understand why an appropriate management system is essential
• Understand the decision framework for solid management in an emergency context

2 Pre-treatment and Treatment Options for Solid

• Understanding various thickening and dewatering methods for sludge
• Gain an overview of various stabilisation conditioning methods of sludge

3 – 6  Introduction to Different Treatment Options

• Understanding the working of different processes
• Understand the process requirements, and how to design/verify the composting process
• Learn about the characteristics of the different outputs

7 Reuse of Sludge

• Gain an understanding of the concept of treated faecal sludge reuse and why it should be practised
• Know the preconditions and requirements for the safe and responsible reuse of sludge for agricultural purposes

8 Burial of Sludge

• Understand the concept of burying sludge as a disposal method and the conditions and requirements for the safe and responsible burial of treated sludge
• Know how to select a suitable site to set up for the burial and containment of treated sludge and the requirements to ensure safe and effective containment
• Gain an insight into the various types of sludge disposal sites that can be utilised for faecal sludge burial and containment
• Be aware of the potential environmental risks involved with sludge burial and recognise the corresponding mitigation measures

9 Burning of Sludge

• Understand the concept of burning sludge as a disposal method and the preconditions and requirements for the safe and responsible burning of treated sludge
• Gain an insight into the various burning methods that can be utilised for treated faecal sludge end-management and their specific required conditions
• Understand the different outputs generated by the different sludge-burning processes and their potential applications