Conference Papers | 2010 Conference Papers

LOW ENERGY AERATION AND PROBIOTICS RESOLVE SLUDGE MANAGEMENT ISSUES!

Adam Wilson, Manager Water Treatment, Coffs Harbour Water
Mick Piggott, Superintendent Woolgoolga Water Reclamation Plant, Coffs Harbour Water

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ABSTRACT

Sludge management at Woolgoolga Water Reclamation Plant has been greatly assisted by the recent introduction of low energy aeration with probiotics into the existing sludge management system. The existing sludge management system was nearing capacity, with drying beds in continuous use and sludge lagoons constantly full. Low energy aeration was installed on Sludge Lagoon 1, which is fed with waste activated sludge. Probiotics are also added to this lagoon at a rate of 4 L/day. The supernatant and a small amount of sludge overtops into Sludge Lagoon 2, with all sludge carryover being contained in the second lagoon. Since the introduction of the low energy aeration with probiotics, the sludge production has been greatly reduced and the sludge dewaters more rapidly, resulting in only one sludge lagoon being full while the other is almost empty. This system has greatly eased the sludge management at Woolgoolga, resulting in reduced sludge production, eliminated recirculation of sludge, and has ultimately saved a considerable amount of money.

KEY WORDS

Low energy aeration, probiotics, sewage sludge