Characterization and Feasibility Assessment of Recycled Paper Mill Sludges for Land Application in Relation to the Environment

Abstract

The disposal of industrial paper mill sludge waste is a big issue and has a great importance all over the world. A study was conducted to determine the chemical properties of recycled paper mill sludge (RPMS) and assess its possibilities for land application. RPMS samples were collected from six different paper mills in Malaysia and analyzed for physical and chemical properties, heavy metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, 13C-NMR spectra and for the presence of dioxins/furans. The RPMS was dewatered, sticky with a strong odour, an average moisture of 65.08%, pH 7.09, cation exchange capacity (CEC) 14.43 cmol (+) kg–1, N 1.45, P 0.18, K 0.12, Ca 0.82, Mg 0.73, Na 0.76 and Al, 1.38%. The polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heavy metals levels were below the standard Class 2 limits. The dioxin and furan were in below the standard concentration of Class 1. The most prominent peak in the 13C-NMR spectra of RPMS was centered at 31 ppm, proving the presence of methylene (-CH2) groups in long aliphatic chains, with lipids and proteins. The signal at 89 ppm and highly shielded shoulder at 83 ppm were due to presence of cellulose carbon C-4, and the peak at 63 and 65 ppm was due to the cellulose carbon spectrum. The RPMS therefore contains significant amount of nutrients with safe levels of heavy metals and PAHs for environment and can be used as a fertilizer and soil amendment for land application.

Brewery sludge quality, agronomic importance and its short-term residual effect on soil properties

“…But, the soil salinity value found in this study was not at a level that could restrict the plant growth rate and yield of crops. Because the EC value meets the tolerable salinity limit of most plants, it usually ranges from 3 to 4 mS/cm (Abdullah et al 2015).…”

Sustainable approach to biotransform industrial sludge into organic fertilizer via vermicomposting: a mini‐review

“…Furthermore, Abdullah et al . reported that the estimated amount of pulp and paper mill solid waste had increased from 16 200 to 19 100 tons tons per day from the year 2001 to 2005, respectively . It is evident that the amount of industrial sludge produced by the pulp and paper industry is increasing.…”

“…As of late, high and growing demand for pulp as well as the overcapacity of pulp production could lead to an increase in pulp and paper mill sludge production. 55 56 It is evident that the amount of industrial sludge produced by the pulp and paper industry is increasing. Management and safe disposal of sludge have become a challenge for the pulp and paper industry due to stringent environmental regulations on solid waste disposal.…”

Comparison of the acoustic behavour between paper waste of HVS and carton in similar composite

“…The application of recycled paper mill sludge to tropical acidic soils can provide substantial benefits such as neutralization of soil acidity, increased organic matter and other essential nutrients. Composting may be a viable option for recycled paper mill sludge as it can enhance its quality, since the physical properties of paper mill sludge are practical [7]. Another kind of acoustic material has been set forth by Bolton that microperforated panel (MPP) is recently regarded as one of the most promising absorption materials for next generation [8].…”