Caracterização do lodo gerado numa estação de tratamento de água

Abstract

In the water purification process, waste (sludge) is generated and, in most treatment plants, this sludge isn't treated, being returned directly to the river, negatively impacting it. This study aimed at determining physical, chemical and biological parameters of the sludge generated at the water treatment station of the Water and Sewage Autonomous Service of the city of Formiga, Minas Gerais, Brazil, to quantify its polluting potential. Results were compared to standards established by National Environment Council, in Resolution No. 430/2011, for effluents discharge at rivers. The sludge from studied water treatment station, in both periods analyzed, didn't comply with the legislation. However, sludge's concentrations of cadmium, calcium, lead, copper, chromium, phosphorus, magnesium, organic matter, mercury, nickel, sodium and zinc didn't change within time interval analyzed in this study.