Pulp and Paper Mill Sludge; a Soil Amendment and Compost option for Landfill Diversion for South-Africa

Abstract

In South-Africa, approximately 30% of all recycled paper is being disposed into landfill sites or incinerated. Using this type of hazardous and industrial waste as a resource is essential to reduce landfilling of organic waste. In this study, Pulp and Paper-Mill Sludge (PPMS) has been evaluated under two possible pathways contributing to landfill diversion and secondary use: compostability and the use of PPMS as a soil amendment. A short review of existing studies on PPMS using these two pathways as alternative for secondary use and within the South-African context have been undertaken. This investigation showed that the addition of PPMS to soil as an amendment does not negatively affect sol fertility. The potential of PPMS as a soil amendment or compost contribute to improving factors allowing for increased soil fertility resulting in a better soil structure. Such effects from either using PPMS as an amendment or compost will directly increase resistance of soils to degradation ultimately allowing for reduced erosion potential of soils.

Potential Use of Paper Mill Sludge in Improving Soil Quality for Plant Growth

“…Based on these findings, it can be concluded that the mixture of toothache tree oilseed cake (TO) and peat moss (P), including PMS, was more effective in improving soil quality for plant growth when composted. Additionally, it can be inferred that PMS does not have any harmful effects on plant growth, even after composting [45]. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that the mixture of toothache tree oilseed cake (TO) and peat moss (P), including PMS, was more effective in improving soil quality for plant growth when composted.…”

“…In certain cases, a higher bulk density can actually benefit soil quality. For instance, it may aid in improving soil drainage and reducing erosion [44,45].…”

“…Based on these findings, it can be concluded that the mixture of toothache tree oilseed cake (TO) and peat moss (P), including PMS, was more effective in improving soil quality for plant growth when composted. Additionally, it can be inferred that PMS does not have any harmful effects on plant growth, even after composting [45].…”