Efficient arsenic removal from contaminated sludge through anaerobic volatilization

Abstract

Arsenic contamination in sludge poses a significant environmental and public health concern worldwide. This study investigates an innovative and sustainable method for arsenic removal from contaminated sludge through enhanced anaerobic volatilization. By incorporating cow dung and septic sludge, this approach aims to improve the efficiency of arsenic removal while promoting the utilization of organic waste materials. The research explores the mechanisms of arsenic volatilization and evaluates the effectiveness of the proposed method in laboratory scale experiments. Results indicate promising outcomes, suggesting the potential for this approach to offer a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution to arsenic remediation in sludge. Further research and implementation of this method could contribute to mitigating arsenic contamination and advancing sustainable waste management practices. This research investigates the potential of utilizing anaerobic microorganisms, in conjunction with cow dung as an amendment, to effectively remove arsenic from arsenic-rich sludge through the process of volatilization. The study aims to evaluate the efficiency, feasibility, and environmental impact of this innovative approach, offering a sustainable solution to address arsenic contamination in sludge management. The study achieved a maximum arsenic removal rate of 98.19% with a feed containing 5% ARP sludge relative to the total Cow Dung slurry. Additionally, a maximum arsenic removal rate of 94.54% was attained with a feed containing 5% ARP sludge relative to the total composite waste feed slurry, which included both septic sludge and cow dung, over a digestion period of 60 days.