摘要：Sludge production is an avoidable problem arising from the treatment of
wastewater. The sludge remained after municipal wastewater treatment contains
considerable amounts of various contaminants and if is not properly handled and
disposed, it may produce extensive health hazards. On the other hand, this
sludge has benefits for plants and soils. Thereupon, land application of sludge
has received much attention over the traditional incineration and dump in sea.
The comprehensive regulations of U.S.EPA title 40 CFR parts 503 include criteria
and standards for land application of sludge. One of the most important
wastewater treatment plants in Tehran, Iran is Shoosh Plant, which applies its
waste sludge in agricultural lands after dewatering in drying beds. In this
research, waste sludge from drying beds was examined according to 40 CFR parts
503. Results indicate that the dehydrated sludge has not the characteristics
required for final discharge. If the dewatering process in the existing beds of
the plant would be modified according to title 40 CFR part 503, the standard of
Pathogen Reduction class B would be achieved. Waste sludge of drying bed must be
applied in agricultural land with respect to the conditions of application
method that is presented in vector attraction reduction. Concentration of this
waste sludge is less than ceiling concentration limits identified by title 40
CFR parts 503.
