Samples of sludge obtained from a brewery were analysed for their pollution characteristic. The analysis revealed that the BOD5 and COD of sludge liquor were high as well as the total solids, nitrogen and phosphate. The COD:BOD ratio was 3.36, meaning the sludge has high substrate biodegradability. The high values of these parameters show that the sludge has high pollution potentials and therefore needed treatment before disposal. The samples were treated using anaerobic digestion at mesophilic temperature (35�2oC). Reduction obtained for the solids were 55.8%TS, 64%SS and 60% VS. The reduction in BOD5 and COD were 92% and 96% respectively. Nitrate and phosphate were found to reduce substantially thereby preventing eutrophication of surface waters. The anaerobic system of treatment was found to have additional benefits of producing biogas (methane) which if harnessed could be used for domestic purposes.

Application of mesophilic anaerobic treatment technology to brewery sludge

247th National Meeting (2014)

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