MOJ Bioorganic & Organic Chemistry
Physicochemical Characterization of the Sewage Sludge
from Guarchia Wastewater Treatment Plant in BenghaziLibya Evaluation of the Organic Composition
Research Article
Abstract
Raw sewage sludge collected from sixteen wastewater-pumping stations at Benghazi
city and from Guarchia wastewater treatment plant have undergone physicochemical
characterizations including pH, total volatile solid (TVS), total nitrogen (TN), total
phosphorus (TP), total organic matter (TOM) and total organic carbon (TOC). The
monthly and spatial variations in sludge properties have also been described.
Keywords: Physicochemical characterization; Guarchia wastewater treatment
plant; Organic composition
Volume 1 Issue 2 - 2017
Chemistry Department, University of Benghazi, Libya
*Corresponding author: Khalid M Darwish, Chemistry
Department, Science Faculty, University of Benghazi,
Benghazi, Libya, Email:
Received: April 24, 2017 | Published: May 26, 2017
Introduction
Aim of the Work
Until the late 19th century, there have been much concern
with the effective and safe disposal of the mankind liquid and
solid wastes. The installation of sewerage systems for piping
liquid wastes away from major population centers was the single
greatest contributor to the dramatic reductions in infectious
diseases which occurred during that time. The liquid wastes were
usually discharged untreated to a river or the ocean but, with the
increasing world population, improved sanitary systems and the
adventure of more stringent standards on wastewater treatment,
this option has become increasingly untenable [1-2].
Wastewater generated by Benghazi is generally pumped to
Guarchia treatment plant for treatment. Only one quarter of the
pumped quantity of this wastewater can be accepted and partially
treated by Guarchia treatment plant, due to its limited capacity
and low efficiency, producing unstabilized sewage sludge; which
will be disposed-off in open fields, and partially treated effluent,
which together with the remained untreated waste-water will be
discharged into stream at the Mediterranean Sea in front of the
city; the discarded materials contain potential toxic constituents,
particularly heavy metals and organic compounds. So far, no
efforts to purify water have been conducted in the region.
Efficient waste management practices that include potential
hazard minimization, recovery operations and treatment
prior to stream emission should be implemented. The lack of
suitable waste treatment results in discharge of untreated or
inadequately treated municipal and industrial sewage into
aquatic environment, leading to deleterious health effects. So far,
no controls on emissions of pollutants to the environment have
been set in the city, although the country established laws and
regulations related to water sources conservation since 1973.
The processes applied to the treatment of sewage result in
the separation of sewage into two streams, a clarified water
containing 20-30 mg/l of suspended solids and a sludge stream of
1-3% solids dry weight, which contains 80-90% of nutrients and
pollutants present in the raw sewage [1]. The nature of the sewage
sludge varies, depending on both the wastewater composition
(mainly organic and inorganic materials, plant nutrients, trace
elements, organic chemicals and some pathogens) and on the
treatment processes used [3]. Recent studies involved qualitative
and quantitative evaluation of wastewater [9], the degradation
kinetics of sewage sludge [8], the reuse application of wastewater
[10-11], the study of Chemical and Microbial Composition of
Municipal Sewage water, the Hydrogen and Methane Production
from Biowaste and Sewage Sludge and finally the study of the
impact of sewage treatment plant on local environment [1214]. Our current research paper deals with the investigation of
the total organic composition of the raw sewage sludge samples
collected from sixteen wastewater pumping stations at Benghazi
city and from Guarchia wastewater treatment plant to evaluate
pH, The total nitrogen (TN), the total phosphorus (TP), The total
organic matter (TOM) and the total organic carbon (TOC).
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Concerning the health and environmental effects of organic
chemicals in sewage sludge, the exposure to organic pollutants;
for example through drinking water, is very low. However, as some
of these compounds may be bio-accumulated or have effects at
low concentrations, chronic health effects are starting to be
investigated for some of these compounds. In the current research
work, the main objectives of the study are:
1. Determination of some physicochemical properties of sludge
such as pH, percent of water content, total volatile solid, total
nitrogen, total phosphorus, total organic matter and total
organic carbon.
MOJ Biorg Org Chem 2017, 1(2): 00009
Copyright:
©2017 Azzouz et al.
Physicochemical Characterization of the Sewage Sludge from Guarchia Wastewater
Treatment Plant in Benghazi-Libya Evaluation of the Organic Composition
2. To describe the monthly and the spatial variations of sludge
properties.
3. To find-out the relationships between sludge properties.
Benghazi city contains about 36 wastewater-pumping stations
out of which only sixteen pumping stations and Guarchia treatment
plant were chosen as sampling points for our research. A monthly
sample was collected from every station during the period of
Jan-Mar. (2006) and another monthly sample was collected from
Guarchia plant during the period of Dec. 2005 -Jan. 2006. For
determining the total organic composition, each dried sample
was ground with glass pestle and mortar then passed through a
2mm mesh stainless steel sieve. The dried ground samples were
then stored in plastic bags into a refrigerator for analysis [4]. The
required temperature for TN, OM and TP determination was 50
0
C. The pH, TS and TVS for each sludge sample were measured
directly after sample collection with no need for drying [5].
Total Solid Content (TS)
The water content is a measurement of sediment moisture
expressed as a percentage of the whole sediment weight. The
sediment moisture content equals the difference between wet
weight of the sediment and dry weight following oven drying at
50-105 0C to a constant weight [6].
TS (as % of wet sludge) =
wt '
(100)
wt
Where wt’ is weight of sample after drying; wt is weight of
sample before drying.
Total Volatile Solids (TVS)
This represents the fraction of total solids lost up on ignition at
a temperature of 550±100C for 1 h [6].
2/19
Percentage OM in sludge:
 w
% Total OC   1.334 x % Oxidizable OC
 w
% OM (w/w) = 1.724 × % Total OC
Where N = Normality of ferrous ammonium sulfate (~ 0.5 M)
10 = Volume of (1 N) K2Cr2O7 solution
Vblank = Volume of ferrous ammonium sulfate solution required
to titrate the blank (in ml)
Vsample = Volume of ferrous ammonium sulfate solution required
to titrate the sample (in ml)
wt = weight of dried sludge (g)
0.3 = 3 × 10-3 × 100; where 3 is the equivalent weight of C.
Total Nitrogen (TN %) in Dried Sludge
Applying Kjeldahl semi micro methods, using 50 ml Kjeldahl
digestion flask, for TN analysis of sediments, the sample must be
more finely ground and thoroughly mixed than for the macroKjeldahl analysis to minimize sample error [7]. The method
involves digestion of sample to convert organic-N to inorganic-N
as (NH4+ - N) then determination of TN in the digest as (NH4+ - N).
The digestion involves heating the sample with H2SO4-containing
substances that promote oxidation of OM and conversion of
organic-N to inorganic-N (NH4+ - N), being salts such as K2SO4 or
Na2SO4, which increase the temperature of digestion, and catalysts
such as Hg, Cu, or Se, which increase the rate of oxidation. The
(NH4+ - N) is determined by collecting the NH3 liberated by
distillation with alkali and analyzing the distillate by titrimetric
procedure [7].
wt ' =
v x 0.14
1
(100 )
Where wt’ is weight lost during ignition; wt is weight
remaining after drying.
Where wt’ is weight of TN (NH4+ - N) in sample; wt is weight
of sample; V is volume of H2SO4 required for titration and %N is
percentage of TN in sample.
where wt’ is weight lost during ignition; wt is weight remaining
after drying.
The molybdophosphate complex is formed in H2SO4 matrix and
reduced with ascorbic acid and absorbance is measured at 840880 nm. The color is stable from 10 min to 24 h after formation
[4]. The sample (0.3-0.5 g) in an uncovered crucible was ignited in
a muffle at 550 0C for 2 h. After cooling in desiccator, the sample
was transferred to a 100-ml calibrated flask, where 50 ml of HCl
(1 N) was added.
Volatile matteer ( as % of dried solids ) =
wt '
(100)
wt
Organic Matter and Organic Carbon in Dried Sewage
Sludge (OM % & OC %)
This involves reduction of K2Cr2O7 by OC-compounds followed
by determination of unreduced dichromate by redox titration
by ferrous ammonium sulfate. The actual measurement is of
oxidizable OC but the data are converted to percentage OM using a
constant factor, assuming that OM contains 58 % of OC. However,
since this proportion is not constant, the results are multiplied by
1.334 as OC [4].
N =
10
Vblank
Total Phosphorus in Dried Sludge
The mixture was filtered after shaking overnight for 14-18
h at 25 0C. A solution of ascorbic acid in ammonium molybdate
(8 ml) was added to the filtrate. Absorbance of the solution
was measured at λmax using 1 cm cuvette. A standard curve was
prepared by analyzing aliquots of a KH2PO4 solution.
Conc. of
( P)
=
( Abs × F1× D )
wt
Citation: Azzouz AAH, Naas NA, Darwish KM (2017) Physicochemical Characterization of the Sewage Sludge from Guarchia Wastewater Treatment
Plant in Benghazi-Libya Evaluation of the Organic Composition. MOJ Biorg Org Chem 1(2): 00009. DOI: 10.15406/mojboc.2017.01.00009
Copyright:
©2017 Azzouz et al.
Physicochemical Characterization of the Sewage Sludge from Guarchia Wastewater
Treatment Plant in Benghazi-Libya Evaluation of the Organic Composition
Where Abs = absorbance of sample solution; F1 = factor of
standard curve (x/y); D = Dilution factor; wt = weight of sample
after ignition.
Results and Discussion
In station 1, the pH values ranged between 6.16 in February
and 6.68 in January (generally acidic). The organic matter
Table 1: Monthly Variations in the Sludge Properties at Station 1.
concentration was in the range of (21.74-27.23 %), the maximum
content was recorded in March and minimum was in February.
The lowest content of TN was determined in March (1.52 %) and
the highest content was determined in January (2.75 %). At the
same time, the lowest value of TP was recorded in March (1.78 %)
and the highest value was recorded in February (2.95 %). The C/N
ratios were ranging from 3.63 in January to 10.36 in March, due to
the changes of OC % contents during the study period (Table 1).
Parameter
Jan.
Feb.
Mar.
Min.
Max.
Average
STD Deviation
pH
6.68
6.16
6.48
6.16
6.68
---
0.262
1.98
0.666
OM%
23.67
21.74
27.23
21.74
27.23
24.21
C/N
3.63
7.45
10.36
3.63
10.36
7.14
OC%
TN%
TP%
13.73
2.75
2.07
12.6
1.69
2.97
15.76
1.52
1.78
3/19
12.60
1.52
1.78
15.76
2.75
2.97
14.03
2.27
2.785
1.601
3.375
0.620
Citation: Azzouz AAH, Naas NA, Darwish KM (2017) Physicochemical Characterization of the Sewage Sludge from Guarchia Wastewater Treatment
Plant in Benghazi-Libya Evaluation of the Organic Composition. MOJ Biorg Org Chem 1(2): 00009. DOI: 10.15406/mojboc.2017.01.00009
Copyright:
©2017 Azzouz et al.
Physicochemical Characterization of the Sewage Sludge from Guarchia Wastewater
Treatment Plant in Benghazi-Libya Evaluation of the Organic Composition
In station 2, the pH values ranged between 6.21 and 6.73
(acidic range). The maximum record of OM was obtained in March
(47.81 %) and the minimum was found in January (44.39 %). the
contents of TN % were ranging from 3.78 to 4.20 %. The contents
Table 2: Monthly Variations in the Sludge Properties at Station 2.
of TP % at this station were ranging between 1.35 % in January
and 1.93 % in March. Records of C/N ratio were ranging from 6.34
in January to 7.16 in February (Table 2).
Parameter
Jan.
Feb.
Mar.
Min.
Max.
Average
STD deviation
pH
6.73
6.36
6.21
6.21
6.73
---
0.267
4.01
0.213
OM%
44.39
46.72
47.81
44.39
47.81
46.30
C/N
6.34
7.16
6.59
6.34
7.16
6.69
OC%
TN%
TP%
25.74
4.06
1.35
27.09
3.78
1.74
27.68
4.20
1.93
4/19
25.74
3.78
1.35
27.68
4.20
1.93
26.83
1.67
1.747
0.994
0.420
0.295
Citation: Azzouz AAH, Naas NA, Darwish KM (2017) Physicochemical Characterization of the Sewage Sludge from Guarchia Wastewater Treatment
Plant in Benghazi-Libya Evaluation of the Organic Composition. MOJ Biorg Org Chem 1(2): 00009. DOI: 10.15406/mojboc.2017.01.00009
Copyright:
©2017 Azzouz et al.
Physicochemical Characterization of the Sewage Sludge from Guarchia Wastewater
Treatment Plant in Benghazi-Libya Evaluation of the Organic Composition
The pH values ranged between 6.82 (acidic) in February and
7.39 in January (neutral). The OM concentration was in the range
of 30.44% (March)–37.43 % (January). The contents of TN were
ranging from 1.91% to 3.95 % and the contents of TP were ranged
Table 3: Monthly Variations in the Sludge Properties at Station 3.
between 1.04% (March) and 1.71 % (February). Records of C/N
were ranging from 4.64 in March to 10.84 in February; this wide
range is due to the difference of OC % contents (Table 3).
Parameter
Jan.
Feb.
Mar.
Min.
Max.
Average
STD Deviation
pH
7.39
6.82
6.99
6.82
7.39
---
0.292
2.64
1.131
OM%
37.43
35.79
30.44
30.44
37.43
34.55
C/N
10.43
10.84
4.46
4.46
10.84
8.57
OC%
TN%
TP%
21.71
2.08
1.21
20.72
1.91
1.71
17.55
3.95
1.04
5/19
17.55
1.91
1.04
21.71
3.95
1.71
19.99
1.32
3.655
2.173
3.591
0.348
Citation: Azzouz AAH, Naas NA, Darwish KM (2017) Physicochemical Characterization of the Sewage Sludge from Guarchia Wastewater Treatment
Plant in Benghazi-Libya Evaluation of the Organic Composition. MOJ Biorg Org Chem 1(2): 00009. DOI: 10.15406/mojboc.2017.01.00009
Copyright:
©2017 Azzouz et al.
Physicochemical Characterization of the Sewage Sludge from Guarchia Wastewater
Treatment Plant in Benghazi-Libya Evaluation of the Organic Composition
The pH values ranged values between 6.63 (acidic) in March
and 6.97 (quite neutral) in January. The contents of TN ranged
from 0.52 to 2.03 %. The TP lowest value was 0.98 % (March)
Table 4: Monthly Variations in the Sludge Properties at Station 4.
and the highest value was 1.97 % (January). Records of C/N
ratio ranged from 6.97 (February) to 15.07 (March) due to the
difference of OC % contents (Table 4).
Parameter
Jan.
Feb.
Mar.
Min.
Max.
Average
pH
6.97
6.84
6.63
6.63
6.97
---
STD Deviation
0.171
OM%
20.12
45.26
13.25
13.25
45.26
26.21
16.851
C/N
6.97
12.93
15.07
6.97
15.07
11.65
4.197
OC%
TN%
TP%
11.64
1.67
1.97
26.25
2.03
1.82
7.84
0.52
0.98
6/19
7.84
0.52
0.98
26.25
2.03
1.97
15.24
1.40
1.59
0.719
0.988
0.533
Citation: Azzouz AAH, Naas NA, Darwish KM (2017) Physicochemical Characterization of the Sewage Sludge from Guarchia Wastewater Treatment
Plant in Benghazi-Libya Evaluation of the Organic Composition. MOJ Biorg Org Chem 1(2): 00009. DOI: 10.15406/mojboc.2017.01.00009
Copyright:
©2017 Azzouz et al.
Physicochemical Characterization of the Sewage Sludge from Guarchia Wastewater
Treatment Plant in Benghazi-Libya Evaluation of the Organic Composition
The pH values ranged between 6.32 (acidic) in February
and 7.27 (neutral) in January. The OM concentration ranged
between17.83 % (March) and 24.20 % (February). The TN
contents ranged between 2.99 and 4.17 %. The TP contents
Table 5: Monthly Variations in the Sludge Properties at Station 5.
7/19
were 0.97 % (March) and 2.01 % (February). The C/N ratio were
ranging from 2.47 (March) to 4.69 (February) due to a decrease
in the TN % contents relative to an increase in the OC % contents
(Table 5).
Parameter
Jan.
Feb.
Mar.
Min.
Max.
Average
STD Deviation
pH
OM%
OC%
TN%
C/N
TP%
7.27
21.89
12.67
3.07
4.12
1.06
6.32
24.2
14.04
2.99
4.69
2.01
6.96
17.83
10.34
4.17
2.47
0.97
6.32
17.83
10.34
2.99
2.47
0.97
7.27
24.20
14.04
4.17
4.69
2.01
--21.30
12.35
3.41
3.76
1.34
0.484
3.224
1.870
0.659
1.152
0.576
Citation: Azzouz AAH, Naas NA, Darwish KM (2017) Physicochemical Characterization of the Sewage Sludge from Guarchia Wastewater Treatment
Plant in Benghazi-Libya Evaluation of the Organic Composition. MOJ Biorg Org Chem 1(2): 00009. DOI: 10.15406/mojboc.2017.01.00009
Copyright:
©2017 Azzouz et al.
Physicochemical Characterization of the Sewage Sludge from Guarchia Wastewater
Treatment Plant in Benghazi-Libya Evaluation of the Organic Composition
The pH values ranged between 6.51 (acidic) in March and
7.32 (slightly basic) in January. The OM contents ranged between
20.93% (January) and 23.9 % (March). Contents of TN and TP
were increasing during the study period, showing ranges of (2.78Table 6: Monthly Variations in the Sludge Properties at Station 6.
4.57 %) for TN and (0.52-3.23 %) for TP. For both, the highest
values were obtained in March, while the lowest values were
obtained in January. The C/N ratios were decreasing with range
from 4.73 in January to 3.04 in March (Table 6).
Parameter
Jan.
Feb.
Mar.
Min.
Max.
Average
STD Deviation
pH
7.32
6.87
6.51
6.51
7.32
---
0.405
3.69
0.895
OM%
23.45
20.93
23.90
20.93
23.90
22.76
C/N
4.73
3.24
3.04
3.04
4.73
3.67
OC%
TN%
TP%
13.15
2.78
0.52
12.11
3.74
1.91
13.90
4.57
3.23
8/19
12.11
2.78
0.52
13.90
4.57
3.23
13.05
1.88
1.60
0.898
0.923
1.355
Citation: Azzouz AAH, Naas NA, Darwish KM (2017) Physicochemical Characterization of the Sewage Sludge from Guarchia Wastewater Treatment
Plant in Benghazi-Libya Evaluation of the Organic Composition. MOJ Biorg Org Chem 1(2): 00009. DOI: 10.15406/mojboc.2017.01.00009
Copyright:
©2017 Azzouz et al.
Physicochemical Characterization of the Sewage Sludge from Guarchia Wastewater
Treatment Plant in Benghazi-Libya Evaluation of the Organic Composition
The pH values ranged from 6.20 (acidic) in March to 7.39
(alkaline) in January may be due to wastewater composition. The
OM contents decreased from 37.34 in January to 12.8 in March.
Contents of each of TN and TP were highest in March with ranges
Table 7: Monthly Variations in the Sludge Properties at Station 7.
(1.91-2.33 %) for TN and (1.21-1.92 %) for TP. A wide range of
the C/N ratio was recorded due to the different content of OC %
reported. The differences in C/N ratios were ranging from 3.18
(March) to 10.43 (February) (Table 7).
Parameter
Jan.
Feb.
Mar.
Min.
Max.
Average
pH
7.39
6.82
6.20
6.20
7.39
---
STD Deviation
0.595
OM%
37.43
26.71
12.80
12.80
37.43
25.64
12.349
C/N
10.43
18.09
3.18
3.18
18.09
7.23
3.700
OC%
TN%
TP%
21.71
2.08
1.21
15.46
1.91
1.71
7.42
2.33
1.92
9/19
7.42
1.91
1.21
21.71
2.33
1.92
14.86
2.10
1.61
7.163
0.211
0.364
Citation: Azzouz AAH, Naas NA, Darwish KM (2017) Physicochemical Characterization of the Sewage Sludge from Guarchia Wastewater Treatment
Plant in Benghazi-Libya Evaluation of the Organic Composition. MOJ Biorg Org Chem 1(2): 00009. DOI: 10.15406/mojboc.2017.01.00009
Copyright:
10/19
©2017 Azzouz et al.
Physicochemical Characterization of the Sewage Sludge from Guarchia Wastewater
Treatment Plant in Benghazi-Libya Evaluation of the Organic Composition
Values of pH ranged from 6.43 to 7.30, covering all of the
slightly acidic, neutral state and slightly alkaline sides. This may
be related to wastewater composition. The highest pH value
was recorded in January, while the lowest value was recorded in
Table 8: Monthly Variations in the Sludge Properties at Station 8.
February. The OM content was increasing from 17.58 % (January)
to 28.07 % (March). Contents of TN and TP showed average values
of (2.67±0.25) for TN and (2.09±0.12) for TP. The C/N ratios were
ranging from 4.81 to 5.80. (Table 8)
Parameter
Jan.
Feb.
Mar.
Min.
Max.
Average
STD Deviation
pH
7.30
6.43
7.09
6.43
7.30
---
0.453
2.67
0.259
OM%
17.54
23.71
28.07
17.54
28.07
23.10
C/N
4.81
5.80
5.77
4.81
5.80
5.46
OC%
TN%
TP%
13.57
2.82
2.21
13.75
2.37
1.97
16.28
2.82
2.10
13.57
2.37
1.97
16.28
2.82
2.21
14.53
2.09
5.290
1.513
0.563
0.120
Citation: Azzouz AAH, Naas NA, Darwish KM (2017) Physicochemical Characterization of the Sewage Sludge from Guarchia Wastewater Treatment
Plant in Benghazi-Libya Evaluation of the Organic Composition. MOJ Biorg Org Chem 1(2): 00009. DOI: 10.15406/mojboc.2017.01.00009
Copyright:
11/19
©2017 Azzouz et al.
Physicochemical Characterization of the Sewage Sludge from Guarchia Wastewater
Treatment Plant in Benghazi-Libya Evaluation of the Organic Composition
The highest value of pH was recorded in January (7.57) and the
lowest value was recorded in March (6.93). The OM content ranged
between 14.25 % (January) and 18.57 % (March). Contents of TN
showed values between 0.92 % (March) and 2.18 % (January). TP
contents showed values between 0.59 % (January) and 1.68 %
(March). The C/N ratios ranged between 3.78 and 11.77 (Table 9).
Table 9: Monthly Variations in the Sludge Properties at Station 9.
Parameter
Jan.
Feb.
Mar.
Min.
Max.
Average
STD Deviation
pH
7.57
---
6.93
6.93
7.57
---
0.452
2.18
---
1.55
0.890
OM%
14.25
C/N
3.78
OC%
TN%
TP%
8.26
0.59
---
18.67
14.25
18.67
16.46
---
11.77
3.78
11.77
7.77
-----
10.83
0.92
1.68
8.26
0.92
0.59
10.83
2.18
1.68
9.54
1.13
3.125
1.817
5.649
0.770
Citation: Azzouz AAH, Naas NA, Darwish KM (2017) Physicochemical Characterization of the Sewage Sludge from Guarchia Wastewater Treatment
Plant in Benghazi-Libya Evaluation of the Organic Composition. MOJ Biorg Org Chem 1(2): 00009. DOI: 10.15406/mojboc.2017.01.00009
Copyright:
12/19
©2017 Azzouz et al.
Physicochemical Characterization of the Sewage Sludge from Guarchia Wastewater
Treatment Plant in Benghazi-Libya Evaluation of the Organic Composition
The pH values changed from 6.77 (in January) to neutral
state 7.03 (in February). The OM contents ranged from 55.25 to
57.45. The distribution of TN (%) was ranging from 4.97 to 5.29,
while the range of TP content (%) was from 0.98 to 1.07. The C/N
Table 10: Monthly Variations in the Sludge Properties at Station 10.
records ranged from 6.28 to 6.43; this similarity is due to the
constant contents of each of OC % and TN % at this station during
the study period (Table 10).
Parameter
Jan.
Feb.
Mar.
Min.
Max.
Average
STD Deviation
pH
6.77
7.03
---
6.77
7.03
---
0.183
4.97
---
5.13
0.226
OM%
57.47
55.25
C/N
6.28
6.43
OC%
TN%
TP%
33.27
5.29
1.07
31.98
0.98
---
55.25
57.47
56.36
---
6.28
6.43
6.35
-----
31.98
4.97
0.98
33.27
5.29
1.07
32.62
1.02
1.560
0.912
0.106
0.063
Citation: Azzouz AAH, Naas NA, Darwish KM (2017) Physicochemical Characterization of the Sewage Sludge from Guarchia Wastewater Treatment
Plant in Benghazi-Libya Evaluation of the Organic Composition. MOJ Biorg Org Chem 1(2): 00009. DOI: 10.15406/mojboc.2017.01.00009
Copyright:
13/19
©2017 Azzouz et al.
Physicochemical Characterization of the Sewage Sludge from Guarchia Wastewater
Treatment Plant in Benghazi-Libya Evaluation of the Organic Composition
The pH values ranged between 6.60 in January and 6.69
March. The OM contents ranged from 30.72 % (March) to 31.45 %
(January). The contents of TN were ranging from 0.96 % to 1.92
% whereas the contents of TP were ranging from 0.85 % to 1.35
Table 11: Monthly Variations in the Sludge Properties at Station 11.
Parameter
pH
Jan.
Feb.
6.60
---
1.92
---
OM%
30.72
C/N
9.26
OC%
TN%
TP%
17.87
1.35
Mar.
6.69
%. The C/N ratio showed a wide range of from 9.26 % (January)
to 19 % (March) due to the different content of TN % reported at
this station during the study period (Table 11).
Min.
6.60
Max.
6.69
Average
STD Deviation
---
0.063
1.44
0.678
---
31.45
30.72
31.45
31.08
---
26.43
9.26
26.43
17.84
-----
18.24
0.96
0.85
17.78
0.96
0.85
18.24
1.92
1.35
18.01
1.10
0.516
0.325
12.14
0.353
Citation: Azzouz AAH, Naas NA, Darwish KM (2017) Physicochemical Characterization of the Sewage Sludge from Guarchia Wastewater Treatment
Plant in Benghazi-Libya Evaluation of the Organic Composition. MOJ Biorg Org Chem 1(2): 00009. DOI: 10.15406/mojboc.2017.01.00009
Copyright:
14/19
©2017 Azzouz et al.
Physicochemical Characterization of the Sewage Sludge from Guarchia Wastewater
Treatment Plant in Benghazi-Libya Evaluation of the Organic Composition
The pH values ranged between acidic side (6.06 in January)
and alkaline side (7.97 in March), due to wastewater composition.
The OM contents were increasing from 30.70 % (March) to 37.12
% (January). The TN contents were decreasing from 4.42 to 1.79
Table 12: Monthly Variations in the Sludge Properties at Station 12.
%, and its average was (2.92±1.3). The TP contents showed a
lowest value reported in January (1.05 %) and a highest value was
obtained in Mach (1.43 %). The C/N ranged from 4.86 to 12.55
(Table 12).
Parameter
Jan.
Feb.
Mar.
Min.
Max.
Average
STD Deviation
pH
6.06
7.27
7.97
6.06
7.97
---
0.887
2.92
1.312
OM%
37.12
34.26
30.70
30.70
37.12
34.02
C/N
4.86
12.55
9.02
4.86
12.55
8.81
OC%
TN%
TP%
21.49
4.42
1.05
19.88
2.38
1.22
17.77
1.79
1.43
17.77
1.79
1.05
29.88
4.42
1.43
23.04
1.23
3.216
6.203
3.849
0.190
Citation: Azzouz AAH, Naas NA, Darwish KM (2017) Physicochemical Characterization of the Sewage Sludge from Guarchia Wastewater Treatment
Plant in Benghazi-Libya Evaluation of the Organic Composition. MOJ Biorg Org Chem 1(2): 00009. DOI: 10.15406/mojboc.2017.01.00009
Copyright:
15/19
©2017 Azzouz et al.
Physicochemical Characterization of the Sewage Sludge from Guarchia Wastewater
Treatment Plant in Benghazi-Libya Evaluation of the Organic Composition
The pH values ranged between 6.79 in February and 7.14
in January. The OM contents were decreasing from 32.46 %
(January) to 23.29 % (March). The TN contents were decreasing
from 2.78 % to 1.87 % and the contents of TP were increasing
Table 13: Monthly Variations in the Sludge Properties at Station 13.
Parameter
pH
Jan.
7.14
Feb.
6.79
Mar.
7.06
from 0.52 to 1.89 %. The C/N ratio ranged from 6.21 (March) to
7.29 (February) due to that both OC % and TN % content were
decreasing during the study period (Table 13).
Min.
6.79
Max.
7.14
Average
STD Deviation
---
0.183
16.15
2.655
OM%
32.46
27.97
23.29
23.29
32.46
27.90
TN%
2.78
2.22
1.87
1.87
2.78
2.29
OC%
C/N
TP%
18.79
6.75
0.52
16.19
7.29
0.93
13.48
6.21
1.89
13.48
6.21
0.52
18.79
7.29
1.89
6.75
1.11
4.585
0.459
0.540
0.703
Citation: Azzouz AAH, Naas NA, Darwish KM (2017) Physicochemical Characterization of the Sewage Sludge from Guarchia Wastewater Treatment
Plant in Benghazi-Libya Evaluation of the Organic Composition. MOJ Biorg Org Chem 1(2): 00009. DOI: 10.15406/mojboc.2017.01.00009
Copyright:
16/19
©2017 Azzouz et al.
Physicochemical Characterization of the Sewage Sludge from Guarchia Wastewater
Treatment Plant in Benghazi-Libya Evaluation of the Organic Composition
The pH values reached to 7.02 and 7.05 in January and
February (almost neutral). The OM contents ranged between
21.14 % (February) and 23.12 % (January). The distribution
of TN (%) was ranging from 2.69 to 2.73, while the range of TP
Table 14: Monthly Variations in the Sludge Properties at Station 14.
contents (%) was from 2.58 to 2.73. The records of C/N ratio were
ranging from 4.55 to 4.90, due to the almost constant contents of
each of OC % and TN % during the study period (Table 14).
Parameter
Jan.
Feb.
Mar.
Min.
Max.
Average
STD Deviation
pH
7.05
7.02
---
7.02
7.05
---
0.212
2.73
---
2.71
0.020
OM%
21.14
23.12
C/N
4.55
4.90
OC%
TN%
TP%
12.26
2.69
2.73
13.38
2.58
---
21.14
23.12
22.13
---
4.55
4.90
4.72
-----
12.26
2.69
2.58
13.38
2.73
2.73
12.82
2.65
1.400
0.791
0.247
0.106
Citation: Azzouz AAH, Naas NA, Darwish KM (2017) Physicochemical Characterization of the Sewage Sludge from Guarchia Wastewater Treatment
Plant in Benghazi-Libya Evaluation of the Organic Composition. MOJ Biorg Org Chem 1(2): 00009. DOI: 10.15406/mojboc.2017.01.00009
Copyright:
17/19
©2017 Azzouz et al.
Physicochemical Characterization of the Sewage Sludge from Guarchia Wastewater
Treatment Plant in Benghazi-Libya Evaluation of the Organic Composition
Neutral pH values obtained ranging between 6.98 in January
and 7.17 in March. The OM contents were in the range of 19.97
% (February) and 22.21 % (March). The contents of each of
TN and TP are in the ranges (3.07-3.34 %) and (1.04-1.87 %),
Table 15: Monthly Variations in the Sludge Properties at Station 15.
respectively. The C/N ratio ranged between 3.46 to 3.98, due to
the almost constant contents of each of OC % and TN % at the
station (Table 15).
Parameter
Jan.
Feb.
Mar.
Min.
Max.
Average
STD Deviation
pH
6.98
7.12
7.17
6.98
7.17
---
0.098
3.21
0.135
OM%
20.87
19.97
22.21
19.97
22.21
21.01
C/N
3.93
3.46
3.98
3.46
3.98
3.79
OC%
TN%
TP%
12.08
3.07
1.04
11.56
3.34
1.52
12.85
3.23
1.87
11.56
3.07
1.04
12.85
3.34
1.87
12.16
1.47
1.12
0.649
0.286
0.416
Citation: Azzouz AAH, Naas NA, Darwish KM (2017) Physicochemical Characterization of the Sewage Sludge from Guarchia Wastewater Treatment
Plant in Benghazi-Libya Evaluation of the Organic Composition. MOJ Biorg Org Chem 1(2): 00009. DOI: 10.15406/mojboc.2017.01.00009
Copyright:
18/19
©2017 Azzouz et al.
Physicochemical Characterization of the Sewage Sludge from Guarchia Wastewater
Treatment Plant in Benghazi-Libya Evaluation of the Organic Composition
The pH values ranged between neutral (7.25) in January
and acidic (6.23) in February. The OM contents showed values
between 27.9 % (February0 and 29.9 % (January). The TN was
ranging from 3.53 to 4.69 and the TP contents were ranging from
Table 16: Monthly Variations in the Sludge Properties at Station 16.
Parameter
pH
Jan.
7.25
Feb.
Mar.
6.23
---
3.53
---
OM%
29.93
27.81
C/N
3.70
4.56
OC%
TN%
TP%
17.36
4.69
5.53
16.10
1.29
1.29 % to 5.53 %. The C/N ratios were ranging from 3.70 to 4.56
due to the almost similar contents of both of OC % and TN % at
this station during the study period (Table 16).
Min.
6.23
Max.
7.25
Average
STD Deviation
---
0.722
4.11
0.820
---
27.93
29.93
28.87
---
3.70
4.56
4.13
-----
16.10
3.53
1.29
17.36
4.69
5.53
16.73
3.41
1.499
0.890
0.608
2.99
Citation: Azzouz AAH, Naas NA, Darwish KM (2017) Physicochemical Characterization of the Sewage Sludge from Guarchia Wastewater Treatment
Plant in Benghazi-Libya Evaluation of the Organic Composition. MOJ Biorg Org Chem 1(2): 00009. DOI: 10.15406/mojboc.2017.01.00009
Physicochemical Characterization of the Sewage Sludge from Guarchia Wastewater
Treatment Plant in Benghazi-Libya Evaluation of the Organic Composition
Conclusion
1. The wide ranges of sludge properties were mostly related
to the variations in types of pumping stations, nature of
surrounding area and illegal connections of sewage.
2. Sludge collected from each station had similar pH values and
much more variations in the sludge properties and organic
matter composition.
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Citation: Azzouz AAH, Naas NA, Darwish KM (2017) Physicochemical Characterization of the Sewage Sludge from Guarchia Wastewater Treatment
Plant in Benghazi-Libya Evaluation of the Organic Composition. MOJ Biorg Org Chem 1(2): 00009. DOI: 10.15406/mojboc.2017.01.00009