Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Influence of different bulking agents on the disappearance of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) during sewage sludge composting

  • Published:
Water, Air, and Soil Pollution Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

In order to improve properties of compost produced from sewage sludge, a wide range of additives is used. The aim of the present study has been to determine the influence of fly ash and sawdust on the range of losses of 16 PAHs (US EPA). Composting was carried out in containers in which there was sewage sludge (100%), sewage sludge with fly ash added (20 or 30% w/w) and sewage sludge with sawdust added (30% w/w). Composting was carried out for 353 days. Then the compost obtained was stored for another 300 days. The content of 16 PAHs was determined using the HPLC-UV method.

After composting, in all the experimental treatments, ie, with sludge alone, and with the additions of 20% and 30% fly ash, and sawdust, decreases in the total PAH load of 87.5, 83.4, 82.9 and 88.1% respectively, were found. The content of the total PAH load was mainly determined by 3-ring compounds. In the case of these last PAHs the highest level of their disappearance (> 90%) was noted after composting. In all composts obtained, the content of PAHs was within allowable limits for biosolids that can be used for agricultural purposes.

A significant lowering of total concentration of the 16 PAHs after storage period was noted only in the experimental variant with 20% of fly ash. However, the process of composts storage influenced individual PAHs.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Accardi-Dey, A., & Gschwend, P.M. (2003). Reinterpreting literature sorption data considering both absorption into OC and adsorption onto black carbon. Environ. Sci. Technol., 37, 99–106.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Aggelides, S.M., & Londra, P.A. (2000). Effects of compost produced from town wastes and sewage sludge on the physical properties of a loamy and a clay soil. Biores. Technol., 71, 253–259.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Alexander, M. (2000). Aging, bioavailability, and overestimation of risk from environmental pollutants. Environ. Sci. Technol., 34, 4259–4265.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Amir, S., Hafidi, M., Merlina, G., Hamdi, H., & Revel, J.C. (2005). Fate of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons durign comosting of lagooning sewage sludge. Chemosphere, 58, 449–458.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Antizar–Ladislao, B., Lopez–Real, J.M., & Beck, A.J. (2004). Bioremediation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH)–contaminated waste using composting approaches. Crit. Rev. Environ. Sci. Technol, 34, 249–289.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Banerjee, K.I., Cheremisinoff, P.N., & Cheng, S.L. (1995). Sorption of organic contaminants by fly ash in a single solute system, Environ. Sci. Technol., 29, 2243–2251.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Baran, S., & Oleszczuk, P. (2003a). The concentration of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in sewage sludge in relation to the amount and origin of sewage purified, Pol. J. Environ. Stud, 12, 523–529.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Baran, S., & Oleszczuk, P. (2003b). Changes in the content of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in light soil fertilised with sewage sludge, J. Environ. Sci. Heal. A, 38, 793–805.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bhamidimarri, S.M.R., & Pandey, S.P. (1996). Aerobic thermophilic composting of piggery solid wastes, Water Sci. Technol, 33, 89–94.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bodzek, D., Janoszka, B., Dobosz, C., Warzecha, L., & Bodzek, M. (1997). Determination of polycyclic aromatic compounds and heavy metals in sludges from biological sewage treatment plants, J. Chromatogr. A, 774, 177–192.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Burgess, R.M., Ryba, S.A., Perron, M.M., Tien, R., Thibodeau, L.M., & Cantwell M.G. (2004). Sorption of 2, 49–dichlorobiphenyl and fluoranthene to a marine sediment amended with different types of black carbon, Environ. Toxicol. Chem, 23, 2534–2544.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Carlstrom, C.J., & Tuovinen, O.H. (2003). Mineralization of phenanthrene and fluoranthene in yard waste compost. Environ. Pollut, 124, 81–91.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Catona, J.E., Ho, C.H., Williams, R.T., & Griest, W.H. (1994). Characterization of insoluble fractions of TNT transformed by composting, J. Environ. Sci Health A, 29, 659–670.

    Google Scholar 

  • CEC, Council of the European Community, (2000). Working Document on Sludge, 3rd Draft, Brussels, 27 April, 20p.

  • Chung, N., & Alexander, M. (2002). Effect of soil properties on bioavailability and extractability of phenanthrene and atrazine sequestered in soil. Chemosphere, 48, 109–115.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Cornelissen, G., & Gustafsson, O. (2004). Sorption of phenanthrene to environmental black carbon in sediment with and without organic matter and native sorbates. Environ. Sci. Technol, 38, 148–155.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Dinel, H., Marche, T., Schnitzer, M., Pare, T., & Champagne, P. (2004). Co–composting of paper mill sludge and hardwood sawdust under two types of in–vessel processes. J. Environ. Sci. Heal. B, 39, 139–151.

    Google Scholar 

  • El–Naim, M.A., El–Housseini, M., & Naeem, M.H. (2004). Safety use of sewage sludge as soil conditioner' J. Environ. Sci. Health A, 39, 435–444.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Fang, M., Wong, J.W.C., Ma, K.K., & Wong, M.H. (1999). Co–composting of sewage sludge and coal fly ash: nutrient transformations. Bioresur. Techol, 67, 19–24.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • García–Gil, J.C., Plaza, C., Senesi, N., Brunetti G., & Polo A. (2004). Effects of sewage sludge amendment on humic acids and microbiological properties of a semiarid Mediterranean soil. Biol. Fert. Soils, 39, 320–328.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gramss G., Kirsche B., Voigt K.–D., Günther Th., & Fritsche W. (1999). Conversion rates of five polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in liquid cultures of fifty-eight fungi and the concomitant production of oxidative enzymes. Mycol. Res., 103, 1009–1018.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Grigatti, M., Ciavatta, C., & Gessa, C. (2004). Evolution of organic matter from sewage sludge and garden trimming during composting. Biores. Technol., 91, 163–169.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gustafsson, O., Haghseta, F., Chan, C., MacFarlane, J., & Gschwend, P.M. (1997). Quantification of the Dilute Sedimentary Soot Phase: Implications for PAH Speciation and Bioavailability. Environ. Sci. Technol., 31, 203–209.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hartlieb, N., Ertune, T., Schaeffer, A., & Klein, W. (2003). Mineralization, metabolism and formation of non–extractable residues of 14C–labelled organic contaminants during pilot–scale composting of municipal biowaste. Environ. Pollut., 126, 83–91.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hughes J.B., Beckles D.M., Chandra S.D., & Ward C.H. (1997). Utilization of bioremediation processes for the treatment of PAH–contaminated sediments J. Industr. Microbiol. Biotech., 18, 152–160.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ingelmo, F., Canet, R., Iba?ez, M.A., Pomares, F., & García, J. (1998). Use of MSW compost, dried sewage sludge and other wastes as partial substitutes for peat and soil. Biores. Technol., 63, 123–129.

    Google Scholar 

  • Joner, E.J, Hirmann, D., Szolarb, O.H.J., Todorovic, D., Leyvala, C., & Loibner A.P. (2004). Priming effects on PAH degradation and ecotoxicity during a phytoremediation experiment. Environ. Pollut., 128, 429–435.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Jonker, M.T.O., Sinke, A.J.C., Brils, J.M., & Koelmans, A.A. (2003). Sorption of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons to oil contaminated sediment: unresolved comples ?. Environ. Sci. Technol., 37, 5197–5203.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kanaly, R.A., & Harayama, S. (2000). Biodegradation of high–molecular–weight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons by bacteria. J. Bacteriol., 182, 2059–2169.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kästner, M., Streibich, S., Beyrer, M., Richnow, H.H., & Fritsche, W. (1999). Formation of bound residues during microbial degradation of [14C]anthracene in soil. Appl. Environ. Microbiol., 65, 1834–1842.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lazzari, L., Sperni, L., Bertin, P., & Pavoni, B. (2000). Correlation between inorganic (heavy metals) and organic (PCBs and PAHs) micropollutant concentrations during sewage sludge composting processes. Chemosphere, 41, 427–435.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Liebeg, E.W., Cutright, T.J., & Demnerova, K. (1999). The investigation of enhanced bioremediation through the addition of macro and micro nutrients in a PAH contaminated soil. Intern. Biodetor. Biodegrad., 44, 55–64.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ma, Y., Zhang, J.Y., & Wong, M.H. (2003). Microbial activity during composting of anthracene–contaminated soil. Chemosphere, 52, 1505–1513.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Moeller, J., & Reeh, U. (2003). Degradation of DEHP, PAHs and LAS in source separated MSW and sewage sludge during composting. Compost Sci. Util., 11, 370–378.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mott, H.V., & Weber, W.J.Jr. (1992). Sorption of low molecular weight organic contaminants by fly ash: Considerations for the enhancement of cutoff barrier performance. Envlron. Scl. Technol., 26, 1234–1248.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Oleszczuk, P., & Baran, S. (2003). Optimization of ultrasonic extraction of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from sewage sludge samples. Chem. Anal., 48, 211–221.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Oleszczuk, P., & Baran, S. (2004a). Application of solid–phase extraction to determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in sewage sludge. J. Hazard. Matter., 113, 237–245.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Oleszczuk, P., & Baran, S. (2004b). The concentration of mild-extracted polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in sewage sludges. J. Environ. Sci. Heal. A, 11, 2799–2815.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Oleszczuk, P., & Baran, S. (2005). Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons content in shoots and leaves of willow (salix viminalis) cultivated on the sewage sludge-amended soil. Water Air Soil Poll., 168, 91–111.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Pérez, S.F.M., García, M.J., & Barceló, D. 2001. Occurrence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in sewage sludge and their contribution to its toxicity in the ToxAlert ® 100 bioassay. Chemosphere, 45, 705–712.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Petersen, S.O., Henriksen, K, Mortensen, G.K., Krogh, P.H., Brandt, K.K., Sorensen, J., Madsen, T., Petersen, J., & Grön, C. 2003. Recycling of sewage sludge and household compost to arable land: fate and effects of organic contaminants, and impact on soil fertility. Soil Till. Res., 72, 139–152.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pignatello J.J. (1998). Soil organic matter as a nanoporous sorbent of organic pollutants. Adv. Colloid Inter. Sci., 76-77, 445–467.

    Google Scholar 

  • Potter, C.L., Glaser, J.A., Chang, L.W., Meier, J.R., Dosani, M.A., & Herrmann, R.F. (1999). Degradation of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons under bench–scale compost conditions. Environ. Sci. Technol., 33, 1717–1725.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Racke, K.D., & Frink, C.R. (1989). Fate of organic contaminants during sewage–sludge composting. Bull. Environ. Contam. Toxicol., 42, 526–533.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Selivanovskaya, S.Y., Latypova, V.Z., & Artamonova, L.A. (2003). Use of sewage sludge compost as the restoration agent on the degraded soil of Tatarstan. J. Environ. Sci. Health A, 38, 1549–1556.

    Google Scholar 

  • Semple, K.T., Morriss, W.J., & Paton, G.I. (2003). Bioavailability of hydrophobic organic contaminants in soils: fundamental concepts and techniques for analysis. Europ. J. Soil Sci., 54, 809–818.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Semple, K.T., Reid, B.J., & Fermor, T.R. (2001). Impact of composting strategies on the treatment of soils contaminated with organic pollutants. Environ. Pollut., 112, 269–283.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sims, J.T., Vasilas, B.L., & Gbodrati M. (1993). Effect of coal fly ash and co–composted sewage sludge on emergence and early growth of cover corps. Commun. Soil Sci. Plant Anal., 24, 503–512.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Smith, K.E.C., Green, M., Thomas, G.O., & Jones, K.C. (2001). The behaviour of sewage sludge derived PAHs on pasture. Environ. Sci. Technol., 35, 2141–2150.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Stevens, J.L., Northcott, G.L., Stern, G.A., Tomy, G., & Jones, K.C. (2003). PAHs, PCBs, PCNs, organochlorine pesticides, synthetic musks and polychlorinated n–alkanes in UK sewage sludge: survey results and implications. Environ. Sci. Technol., 37, 462–467.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Van den Heuvel, H., & Van Noort, P.C.M. (2003). Competition for adsorption between added phenanthrene and in situ PAHs in two sediments. Chemosphere, 53, 1097–1103.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Westerman, P.W., & Bicudo, J.R. (2005). Management considerations for organic waste use in agriculture. Biores. Technol., 96, 215–221.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wischmann, H., Steinhart, H., Hupe, K., Montresori, G., & Stegmann, R. (1996). Degradation of selected PAHs in soil/compost and indentification of intermediates. Intern. J. Environ. Anal. Chem., 64, 247–255.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • White, J.C., Hunter, M., Pignatello, J.J., & Alexander M. (1999). Increase in bioavailability of aged phenanthrene in soils by competitive displacement with pyrene,’ Environ. Toxicol. Chem., 18, 1728–1732.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zubillaga, M.S., & Lavado, R.S. (2003). Stability indexes of sewage sludge compost obtained with different proportions of a bulking agent. Commun. Soil Sci. Plant Anal., 34, 581–591.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Xing, B., Pignatello, J.J., & Gigliotti, B. (1996). Competitive sorption between atrazine and other organic compounds in soils and model sorbents. Environ. Sci. Technol., 30, 2432–2440.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Xing, B., & Pignatello, J.J. (1998). Competitive sorption between 1,3–dichlorobenzene or 2,4-dichlorophenol and natural aromatic acids in soil organic matter. Environ. Sci. Technol., 32, 614–619.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Soil Science and Environmental Management, Agricultural University, ul. Leszczyńskiego 7, 20-069, Lublin, Poland

    Patryk Oleszczuk

Authors
  1. Patryk Oleszczuk
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Patryk Oleszczuk.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Oleszczuk, P. Influence of different bulking agents on the disappearance of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) during sewage sludge composting. Water Air Soil Pollut 175, 15–32 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11270-006-9105-2

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11270-006-9105-2

Keywords

Search

Navigation