Review of Co-Composting Municipal Sewage Sludge with a Variety of Biological Waste

Abstract

Background & objective: Direct application of sewage sludge in agriculture has been limited due to the presence of pathogens, inappropriate fermentation of organic waste and the presence of heavy metals. Co-composting of sewage sludge with biological waste is a method to reuse waste that leads safe disposal of sludge and waste. The purpose of this study was to review the advantages of co-compost and the possibility of compost production from a mixture of sewage sludge and biological waste. Method: In this paper, various methods for the production of co-compost were also reviewed. In this paper several factors including composting process optimization, compost controlling agents, co-composting raw materials and use of sewage sludge and biological wastewater, in the preparation of compost were evaluated as well as the role of co-compost in the challenge of agricultural wastewaters. Results: The raw sludge in a compost with organic waste, along with biochemical solids (fat, protein, and cellulose), are pure in terms of process evolution, the destruction of biochemical compounds in composting materials, the potential for pathogen inactivation, nutrient retention and improved biological activity. Proper management of municipal sewage treatment, organic and biological waste produced in the agro-industry play an important role in promoting the community health and the environment. The high cost of biological waste disposal, its environmental impacts, and the many risks associated with the use of chemical fertilizers are the problems due to ignorance compost production. Conclusion: Therefore, producing compost and co-comosting should be considered to promot environmental health.