Incorporation Of Sewage Sludge In Clay Brick And Its Characterization-converted

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Authors: Abdul G. Liewa*, Azni Idrisa, Calvin H. K. Wonga, Abdul A. Samadb, Megat Johari M. M. NoorbandAminuddin M. Baki

Departmentof Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
Department of Civil Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, MalaysiacIndah Water Konsortium Sdn Bhd, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Corresponding author: Azni Idris

E-mail: [email protected]| Tel: +603 89466302

Abstract

This study reports the use of sewage sludge generated from sewage treatment plant (STP) as raw material in a clay brick-making process. The physico-chemical and mineralogical characterization of the sewage sludge and clay were carried out in order to identify the major technological constraints and to define the sludge pre-treatment requirements if necessary. Moreover, the effects on processing conditions and/or on changes of typical final characteristics are also evaluated. Bricks were produced with sewagesludge additions ranging from 10 to 40% by dry weight. The texture and finishing of the surface of sludge-amended clay bricks were rather poor. As for the physical and chemical properties, bricks with a sludge content of up to 40 wt.% were capable of meeting the relevant technical standards. However, bricks with more than 30 wt.% sludge addition are not recommended for use since they are brittle and easily broken even when handled gently. A tendency for a general degradation of brick properties with sludgeadditions was observed due to its refractory nature. Therefore, sludge bricks of this nature are only suitable for use as common bricks, which are normally not exposed to view, because of poor surface finishing.

Keywords: sewage sludge, utilization, claybrick production, physico-chemical, mineralogical characterization

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