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Nutrient Status of Sewage Sludge in Some Municipal Areas of Bangladesh

M.A. Sattar
Department of Soil Science Bangladesh Agricultural University Mymensingh-2202 Bangladesh

P.K. Sarker
Department of Soil Science Bangladesh Agricultural University Mymensingh-2202 Bangladesh

M.M. Rahman
Department of Agricultural Chemistry, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh

K.C. Saha
Department of Chemistry, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

A study was conducted to evaluate the nutrient status of sewage sludge collected from 10 major municipal areas of Bangladesh to find out their possible utilization in agricultural land. The analyzes included texture, pH, organic C, N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S and Zn. The analytical results Indicated that the sewage sludge samples were acidic to neutral in reaction and belonged to fine texture, The chemical analyzes data revealed that the contents of organic C, N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Sand Zn were higher in municipal sewage sludges in comparison to optimum level of these nutrients in soils. These sewage sludges can be utilized as organic fertilizer to increase the fertility status of agricultural land.

Keywords: Nutrient, Sewage sludge, Municipality

Location: Dhaka, Narayangonj, Tongj, Gazipur, Mymensingh, Tangail, Jamalpur, Sherpur, Kishoregonj and Netrokona

Start Date:

End Date:

Program Area: Resource Development and Management

Commodity: Sewage sludge

Objectives:

To evaluate the nutrient status of sewage sludge collected from 10 major municipal areas of Bangladesh to find out their possible utilization in agricultural land.

Methodology:

An investigation was concentrated in ten important municipalities viz. Dhaka. Narayangonj, Tongj, Gazipur, Mymensingh, Tangail, Jamalpur, Sherpur, Kishoregonj and Netrokona in Bangladesh. Twenty five sewage sludge samples were collected from the sewerage and drainage wastes of residential, kacha bazar and industrial areas in 10 major municipalities during winter season, 1994. Each collected sample was dried in air and then was ground to pass through 10-mesh sieve. The analyzes included were soil texture, pH, organic C, N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Sand Zn. Textural class was identified by hydrometer method as described by Allen et at., (1974). The pH of sludges was determined electrometrically using 1 : 2.5 soil water ratio (Jackson, 1967). Organic carbon was estimated by Walkley and Black method (Ghosh et at., 1983). Ammonium-N was determined calorimetrically by Nessler method (Jackson, 1967) and nitrate-N was also analysed .calorimetrically by phenoldisulfonic acid method (Allen et at.,1974). Totai-N was estimated by the modified kjeldahl method (PCARR), 1980). Calcium and magnesium were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometer using neutral NH₄0Ac as extractant (Page et at., 1982) Phosphorus was determined by Olsen's method using NaHC0₃ as extractant following the procedure outlined by Ghosh et at., (1983). Sulfur was analysed turbidimetrically using CaCI₂ as extractant) page et at., 1982 and Wolf, 1982). CEC of sludges was determined by sodium saturation method using NaOAc solution (Page et at., 1982). Potassium was determined by flame photometer using natural NH₄0Ac as extractant (Ghosh et at., 1983). Zinc was determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometer using 0.1 N HCI as extractant (PCARR, 1980).

Source of Information: Bangladesh J. Agril. Sci. 28(2): 345-349, July. 2001

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

The sewage sludge sample mainly belonged to silt loam, silty clay, silty clay loam, loam, clay loam and clay textural classes. The pH values of sewage sludge varied from 3.2 to 7.7 indicating acidic to neutral in reaction.The maximum pH (7.7) was observed in residential area of Kishoregonj and the minimum pH (.32) was obtained in industrial area at Narayangonj due to the effect of some industrial effluents. The organic carbon content was within the range of 3.40 to 8.70 per cent with an average value of 5. 39 per cent organic carbon content was high in sewage sludge due to the addition of different organic substances. The concentrations of NH₄-N and N0₃-N ranged from 193 to 58 and 18 to 112 mg kg^-1, respectively. The highest values of NH₄-N and N0₃-N were observed in residential area at Sherpur and in industrial area at Narayangonj, respectively. On the other hand, the lowest values of NH₄-N and N0₃-N were observed in residential area at Sherpur and in industrial area in Dhaka and in residential area at Tangail. The concentrations of Ca, Mg and K varied from 17.50 to 88.50, 2.80 to 35.50 and 0.45 to 1.15 cmol kg^-1 with mean values of 41 .38, 16.46 and 0.8'1 cm o1kg^-1, respectively. Finally, it is concluded that the municipal sewage sludge samples were rich in organic matter and essential plant nutrients. So, these sewage sludges can be utilized as organic fertilizer to increase the fertility status of agricultural land.

Knowledge Management: Journal