Composting Study on 9N site, Alexandria, Egypt

Mohamed Wahby PowerPoint presentation as a partial fulfilment for the course Env. 706 Pre. M.Sc. In environmental sciences Dec. 2012

Contents
Introduction (where does the sludge comes from?) Types of composting Why composting is done? Study case on site 9N, Alexandria, Egypt Standards of the process Questions
Mohamed Wahby - Composting in 9N siteDec., 20, 2012

Contents
Introduction (where does the sludge comes from?) Types of composting Why composting is done? Study case on site 9N, Alexandria, Egypt Standards of the process Questions
Mohamed Wahby - Composting in 9N siteDec., 20, 2012

Sewage treatment

G. Tyler Miller, Jr. and Scott E. Spoolman - Living in the Environment, 17 edition, Chapter 20 ISBN-13: 978-0-538-73534-6
Mohamed Wahby - Composting in 9N siteDec., 20, 2012

G. Tyler Miller, Jr. and Scott E. Spoolman Living in the Environment, 17th edition, Chapter 20 ISBN-13: 978-0-538-73534-6

Primary sludge Output from waste water treatment plants

Secondary sludge

Tertiary sludge Chemical sludge (Advanced waste treatment)

Biological sludge

Stanley E. Manahan, Environmental chemistry, 7th edition Lewis publisher, 2000

Mohamed Wahby - Composting in 9N siteDec., 20, 2012

What is the meaning of composting?

Aerobic process involving the biological stabilization of sludge.
http://ellerbruch.nmu.edu/classes/cs255w03/cs255st udents/mboks/p5/g06956figure01.jpg

Process Design Manual Surface Disposal of Sewage Sludge and Domestic Septage Chapter3 - EPA/625/R-95/002 September 1995
Mohamed Wahby - Composting in 9N siteDec., 20, 2012

Anaerobic composting

http://www.uk-energysaving.com/anaerobic-digestion.jpg

Mohamed Wahby - Composting in 9N siteDec., 20, 2012

Contents
Introduction (where does the sludge comes from?) Types of composting Why composting is done? Study case on site 9N, Alexandria, Egypt Standards of the process Questions
Mohamed Wahby - Composting in 9N siteDec., 20, 2012

Windrow composting

http://www.fao.org/docrep/007/y5104e/y5104e07.htm
http://organic.tfrec.wsu.edu/compost/Compost%20syste ms/windrows%20mid.jpg
Mohamed Wahby - Composting in 9N siteDec., 20, 2012

Aerated static pile

http://www.greenprojectexchange.org/gpe/images/allmedia/Aerat edStaticPileConstructionR.jpg
Mohamed Wahby - Composting in 9N siteDec., 20, 2012

In-vessel composting

http://www.southdadeswcd.org/wp-content/gallery/in-vessel-composter/in-vessel-9a.jpg
Mohamed Wahby - Composting in 9N siteDec., 20, 2012

Growth curve

http://ebsbiowizard.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/bacterial-growth-curve.png
Mohamed Wahby - Composting in 9N siteDec., 20, 2012

Contents
Introduction (where does the sludge comes from?) Types of composting Why composting is done? Study case on site 9N, Alexandria, Egypt Standards of the process Questions
Mohamed Wahby - Composting in 9N siteDec., 20, 2012

Why composting?
Reduce or eliminate the need for chemical fertilizers. Promote higher yields of agricultural crops. Facilitate reforestation, wetlands restoration, and habitat revitalization efforts by amending contaminated, compacted, and marginal soils. Capture and destroy 99.6 percent of industrial volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) in contaminated air. Provide cost savings of at least 50 percent over conventional soil, water, and air pollution remediation technologies, where applicable. Serves as a marketable commodity and is a low-cost alternative to standard landfill cover and artificial soil amendments.
http://www.epa.gov/compost/basic.htm
Mohamed Wahby - Composting in 9N siteDec., 20, 2012

Application on agricultural lands

Biosolids Generation, Use, and Disposal in the United States U.S. EPA, Municipal and Industrial Solid Waste Division -Office of Solid Waste EPA530-R-99-009 - September 1999
Mohamed Wahby - Composting in 9N siteDec., 20, 2012

Application on agricultural lands

Mohamed Wahby - Composting in 9N siteDec., 20, 2012

Contents
Introduction (where does the sludge comes from?) Types of composting Why composting is done? Study case on site 9N, Alexandria, Egypt Standards of the process Questions
Mohamed Wahby - Composting in 9N siteDec., 20, 2012

How sites are chosen?

Geological Stability Protection of Wetlands Protection of Surface Water Protection of Ground Water

Process Design Manual Surface Disposal of Sewage Sludge and Domestic Septage chapter4 - EPA/625/R-95/002 September 1995

Mohamed Wahby - Composting in 9N siteDec., 20, 2012

9N site
Site 9N is located 35 Km west of Alexandria

New strategies for wastewater management and reuse in Alexandria 2037 Oct., 2010 CEDARE

Mohamed Wahby - Composting in 9N siteDec., 20, 2012

Present and expected future input

New strategies for wastewater management and reuse in Alexandria in 2037 Oct., 20120

Mohamed Wahby - Composting in 9N siteDec., 20, 2012

Mohamed Wahby - Composting in 9N siteDec., 20, 2012

Mohamed Wahby - Composting in 9N siteDec., 20, 2012

Mohamed Wahby - Composting in 9N siteDec., 20, 2012

Mohamed Wahby - Composting in 9N siteDec., 20, 2012

In Egypt, Alexandria (before 9N site)

M. Ghazy, T. Dockhorn, and N. Dichtl. Sewage Sludge Management in Egypt: Current Status and Perspectives towards a Sustainable Agricultural Use - World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology 33 2009
Mohamed Wahby - Composting in 9N siteDec., 20, 2012

Process in 9N (Physical)
Moisture
High moisture Adjusting row sludge Optimum moisture
Low moisture In final compost > 60%; can be reduced by blending the sludge with bulking material

40% - 60% < 40%; adjusted by adding water to the windrow

Moisture less than 8% 0.2%

Mohamed Wahby - Composting in 9N siteDec., 20, 2012

Process in 9N (Physical)
Temperature
Max. temp. Adjusting row sludge 64.9C (after 1 month) < 59 C; Some microorganisms can be inhibited or killed and diversity of organisms is reduced, thus results in lower rates of decomposition 45C - 59C 48C (at the beginning) > 20 C; Decomposition slows down, as microorganisms do not proliferate

Optimum temp. Min. temp.

In final compost

Temperature within optimum range

Mohamed Wahby - Composting in 9N siteDec., 20, 2012

Process in 9N (Physical)
pH
Max. pH

Adjusting row sludge

> 11; Kills many bacteria and encourages the conversion of NH N to NH resulting in a N-loss to the atmosphere
69 < 6.5; Promotes leaching of heavy elements (mobilization)

Optimum pH Min. pH

In final compost

pH within optimum range

Mohamed Wahby - Composting in 9N siteDec., 20, 2012

Process in 9N (Chemical)
Organic carbon:
Max. content Adjusting row sludge Optimum content
Min. content In final compost

(was not mentioned ) Note less than 40% 2% 30; Adjusted by probably adjusting the ration of bulking agent/sludge

Note less than 40% 2%

Mohamed Wahby - Composting in 9N siteDec., 20, 2012

Process in 9N (Chemical)
Nitrogen:
Max. content Adjusting row sludge Optimum content
Min. content

(was not mentioned ) Note less than 2% 0.1% 2; Adjusted by using of bulking agent rich in nitrogen e.g., Hay (2.5% 4%) or rice straw. As nitrogen is significantly reduced in the final compost.

In final compost

Note less than 2% 0.1%

Mohamed Wahby - Composting in 9N siteDec., 20, 2012

Process in 9N (Chemical)
Carbon to nitrogen ratio:
Max. content Adjusting row sludge Optimum content Min. content In final compost 18.1-22.1 22.1 18.1-22.1 18.1; Carbonaceous materials have to be added to increase the ratio up to 30 in case if its low.

* If the C:N ratio is too high (excess carbon), decomposition slows down. If the C:N ratio is too low (excess nitrogen) you will end up with a stinky pile. *http://www.composting101.com/c-n-ratio.html
Mohamed Wahby - Composting in 9N siteDec., 20, 2012

Process in 9N (Chemical)
Ammonia (NH):
Ranged between 0 0.55 mg/g Higher in the first weeks (Risk of ammonium ion toxicity) and then converted to NO at the end of maturation.

Nitrate (NO):
Ranged between 0 0.09 mg/g

Mohamed Wahby - Composting in 9N siteDec., 20, 2012

Process in 9N (Chemical)
Volatile solids (VS):
Efficient composting achieved about 45% decrease of VS Some studied hence that it better to be lower than 40% VS decrease indicates that organic waste breaks down.

Mohamed Wahby - Composting in 9N siteDec., 20, 2012

Process in 9N (Chemical)
Plant Nutrients:
Primary
Secondary

Phosphorous
Potassium Calcium Magnesium

4.3 6.2 mg/g

2250 2630 mg/kg 30225 34033 mg/kg 4014 4580 mg/kg Not to be more than 0.5%

NaCl (not regarded as a plant nutrient)

Mohamed Wahby - Composting in 9N siteDec., 20, 2012

Process in 9N (Biological)
Bacteriological:
Most Probable Number

http://academic.pgcc.edu /~kroberts/Lecture/Chapt er%206/0624_MPNEstimate_L.jpg

Mohamed Wahby - Composting in 9N siteDec., 20, 2012

Process in 9N (Biological)
Parasitological:
Treated sludge (compost) should contain no more than one helminthes egg/100 ml Number of the eggs present should not exceed more than three genera of helmithes eggs.
http://www.polconsultant.com/contedu c/immunology/images/Parasitehelminths-6-900.jpg

Mohamed Wahby - Composting in 9N siteDec., 20, 2012

Contents
Introduction (where does the sludge comes from?) Types of composting Why composting is done? Study case on site 9N, Alexandria, Egypt Standards of the process Questions
Mohamed Wahby - Composting in 9N siteDec., 20, 2012

Standards for composting

Minister of agriculture No. 100/1967 Minister of agriculture No. 214/1997 Minister of agriculture No. 254/2003 Minister of housing, utilizing and urban communities No. 222/2002 EPA standards for composting and California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery

Mohamed Wahby - Composting in 9N siteDec., 20, 2012

Standards for composting

Fourth International Water Technology Conference IWTC 99, Alexandria, Egypt

Mohamed Wahby - Composting in 9N siteDec., 20, 2012

Standards for composting

Egyptian Sludge Regulation (Decree 254 / 2003)
Constituent

Concentration (mg/kg) on dry weight basis 1500

California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery

Copper

Cadmium
Chromium Nickel Lead Zinc Arsenic Selenium

39
1200 420 300 2800 41 36

USEPA 40 CFR Part 503

Mercury
Coliforms Salmonella

17
1000 /gm ds 3/4g ds

Mohamed Wahby - Composting in 9N siteDec., 20, 2012

Sewage Sludge Management in Egypt: Current Status and Perspectives towards a Sustainable Agricultural Use. M. Ghazy, T. Dockhorn, and N. Dichtl World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology 33 2009
Mohamed Wahby - Composting in 9N siteDec., 20, 2012

Sewage Sludge Management in Egypt: Current Status and Perspectives towards a Sustainable Agricultural Use. M. Ghazy, T. Dockhorn, and N. Dichtl World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology 33 2009
Mohamed Wahby - Composting in 9N siteDec., 20, 2012

Contents
Introduction (where does the sludge comes from?) Types of composting Why composting is done? Study case on site 9N, Alexandria, Egypt Standards of the process Questions
Mohamed Wahby - Composting in 9N siteDec., 20, 2012

Turning effect
From the results obtained in this study, it can be concluded that the turning frequency of more than once/week (as in case of W4) is more efficient in compost production from sewage sludge than the turning frequency every 7, 10 or 15 days. Although the C/N ratio of all windrows could be less than the optimum, all windrows were able to achieve good microbial activity and hence temperature elevations (5570C), which were sufficient for pathogens inactivation.
Mohamed Wahby - Composting in 9N siteDec., 20, 2012

Site management and compliance 1- Groundwater

According to the sites microbiological data and frequent sampling of 16 monitoring wells, there is not indication of leachates reached the groundwater
http://www.euwfd.com/assets/images/Gro undwater-pollution02.jpg
Mohamed Wahby - Composting in 9N siteDec., 20, 2012

Site management and compliance 2- Local people

http://gate.ahram.org.eg/ Sep., 23, 2011

http://www.alwafd.org Sep., 30, 2011

Mohamed Wahby - Composting in 9N siteDec., 20, 2012

http://www.elsaba7.com July, 11, 2012


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Mohamed Wahby - Composting in 9N site2102 ,02 ,.Dec

Recommendations

Mohamed Wahby - Composting in 9N siteDec., 20, 2012

EIA study

http://ecx.imagesamazon.com/images/I/51FjsCnkVFL._BO2,204, 203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrowclick,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg

Mohamed Wahby - Composting in 9N siteDec., 20, 2012

Future prospective
Other sites technology

Sewage Sludge Management in Egypt: Current Status and Perspectives towards a Sustainable Agricultural Use. M. Ghazy, T. Dockhorn, and N. Dichtl World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology 33 2009
Mohamed Wahby - Composting in 9N siteDec., 20, 2012

Future prospective
Production of biofuel

Mohamed Wahby - Composting in 9N siteDec., 20, 2012

Long run solution(Translocation)

http://www.narg.org.uk/images/egypt_satphoto_google.jpg
Mohamed Wahby - Composting in 9N siteDec., 20, 2012

Contents
Introduction (where does the sludge comes from?) Types of composting Why composting is done? Study case on site 9N, Alexandria, Egypt Standards of the process Questions
Mohamed Wahby - Composting in 9N siteDec., 20, 2012

References
G. Tyler Miller, Jr. and Scott E. Spoolman - Living in the Environment, 17 edition, Chapter 20 ISBN-13: 978-0-538-73534-6 M. Ghazy, T. Dockhorn, and N. Dichtl. Sewage Sludge Management in Egypt: Current Status and Perspectives towards a Sustainable Agricultural Use - World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology 33 2009 Stanley E. Manahan, Environmental chemistry, 7th edition Lewis publisher, 2000 Process Design Manual Surface Disposal of Sewage Sludge and Domestic Septage Chapter3 - EPA/625/R-95/002 September 1995 Biosolids Generation, Use, and Disposal in the United States U.S. EPA, Municipal and Industrial Solid Waste Division -Office of Solid Waste. EPA530-R-99-009 September 1999 Fourth International Water Technology Conference IWTC 99, Alexandria, Egypt New strategies for wastewater management and reuse in Alexandria in 2037.Oct., 2012. A. I. Khalil M. S. Hassouna H. M. A. El-Ashqar M. Fawzi. Changes in physical, chemical and microbial parameters during the composting of municipal sewage sludge. World J Microbiol Biotechnol (2011) 27:23592369
Mohamed Wahby - Composting in 9N siteDec., 20, 2012

Acknowledgment
Prof. Alaa El-Din Ramadan
Vice-Dean for Education and Students Affairs

Chemist. Hussein Al Ashqar

M.Sc. In environmental studies 9N site manager

Mohamed Wahby - Composting in 9N siteDec., 20, 2012

Mohamed Wahby - Composting in 9N siteDec., 20, 2012