Biodegradable Waste Treatment: Sewage Sludge Composting - A Case Study

Within the current research, the GORE™ COVER composting system was tested for treating organic waste by aerobic digestion performed in closed installation, equipped with a positive aeration system and a semipermeable membrane. After 42 days (with 2 intermediate returns and intensive decomposition phase of 28 days) and respectively after 14 days (so, after the second phase), 4 samples were collected. Performing specific laboratory analyzes, the initial characterization of the mixture (sludge from a wastewater treatment plant and wood sawdust) was performed. The achieved results showed that after 42 days, the compost has a pleasant appearance, with the smell of reclaimed soil and considered as being sanitized (coliform bacteria were reduced by over 99% and enterococci by 98%). The mass of the mixture was reduced to 76% of the initial mass. So, a recoverable product was obtained.