Addition of sewage sludge from effluent treatment plant of Jaguariúna city on ceramic bricks

feasibility study

Abstract

The sewage treatment plant (S.T.P.) produces in its operation a rich residue in nutrients and organic material with a high environmental contamination potential called sewage sludge. In its majority, the S.T.P.s do not have programs for a correct destination of this residue, losing part of the benefits of the treatment. The incorporation of this material in ceramic products has been shown as a feasible option of correct destination. This work studied this feasibility in the specific case of S.T.P Camanducaia, located in the Jaguariúna city - SP, aiming to incorporate the sewage sludge in ceramic bricks, serving as a reference point to more complex studies. In the manufacture of ceramic bricks, it was analyzed concentrations of 10%, 20% and 30% of sludge addition. After the tests of water absorption, extrusion humidity, retraction and resistance where the highest concentration showed a greater conformity with the pertinent technical rules, concluding that this application is a sustainable applying of this residue.