Assessment of sludge reuse options: a life-cycle approach

Abstract

This analysis suggests that a holistic or life-cycle approach be taken when assessing the long-term sustainability of sludge reuse options. Issues such as compliance with world best practice environmental/health standards, energyusage, greenhouse gas emissions, odour control and volume reduction must now be taken into account when assessing the long-term sustainability and public acceptability of the various management options. Four major criteria for the assessment of sludge reuse options are proposed and five management options are assessed using these criteria. The results indicate that traditional land application reuse options must be evaluated in more detail to confirm whether they offer a long-term sustainable management option. Newer thermal based management options may however provide long-term sustainable management options.