One of the main steps in the process of treating water, effluents or domestic sewage is coagulation/flocculation, where solids suspended in wastewater are separated with the aid of coagulants and flocculants, followed by decantation or flotation.
In this physical process, the solid/liquid separation takes place, generating sludge in the treatment: a solid or pasty residue that must be properly characterized and disposed of.
According to ABNT NBR 10.004 - 2004, sludge from water and effluent treatment from different industries can be characterized as:
Class I - Hazardous waste that may endanger people's health and the environment in general;
Class II A - Non-Inert - Non-hazardous waste, being biodegradable, oxidizing and soluble in water;
Class II B – Inert - Waste that does not show solubility or combustibility.
ETE's and ETA's that use inorganic coagulants based on aluminum and iron run the risk of having these metals added to the contaminants already present in the sludge, which can characterize it as Class I, waste that requires ⚠specific care and disposal cost extremely high, as in industrial landfills (generating an environmental liability).
The sludge generated with the use of natural coagulants is characterized as Class II A - Non-inert, allowing a sustainable and economically viable destination, such as composting, incorporation into the soil and even sale to fertilizer companies.
In the next publication we will talk more about these advantages and possible profitability for your company with the use of Acquapol.
Get in touch with us and request an evaluation for your treatment of industrial effluents or domestic sewage. We will be happy to serve you.
