Water is one of the most important resources used in the food industry. However, the wastewater generated must be treated before its final disposal. The main byproduct obtained from an Industrial Wastewater Treatment Plant (IWWTP) in a food industry is sludge. The generated sludge is usually a suspension with high solids content (organic matter). The correct disposal of these byproduct is an obligation and a constant need for industries because it implies a cost in handling, transportation and disposal. Nevertheless, the traditional management of sludge is their disposition as a residue (commonly in a landfill or security cells) disregarding their potential as a raw material. For this reason, the researches in sludge valorization have grown in the recent decades looking for clean and sustainable technologies for utilization, optimization and efficient use of sludge generated by IWWTP, and a reduction in the operation costs. The sludge valorization techniques most frequently used are: production of fertilizers, soil improvement, composting and eco-brick production. The application of sludge recovery processes can generate new business lines for the industrial sector improving its economic viability, reducing their negative environmental impacts and contributing to the strengthening of its competitiveness, especially in developing countries. In this work, a theoretical and experimental study for the valorization of the industrial sludge (biosolids) obtained from an IWWTP in a food industry in Manizales city (Colombia) was performed for obtaining compost for soil improvement. Physicochemical and microbiological characterizations of sludge were obtained in order to establish the quality and composition of the sludge generated, to select properly the treatment and stabilization and to evaluate experimentally at laboratory scale a biotechnological alternative for its valorization. Different tests were applied for the characterization of the sludge samples, such as: pH, alkalinity, acidity, moisture, ashes, chemical oxygen demand, biochemical oxygen demand, mesophilic aerobic microorganisms, molds and yeasts, total and fecal coliforms, Salmonella sp. As a result, a technological process was proposed considering the composition and quality of sludge, the best conditions of composting, and the lower process cost. This work is an interesting result that can be applied in different food industries which generate high quantities of sludge in their IWWTP.<br/> <br/>

Biotechnological valorization of waste sludge in a food industry: Design and evaluation process at lab scale

249th National Meeting (2015)

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