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Title: Cost and value of pathogen reduction for land application of sludges

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/5089646· OSTI ID:5089646

This paper discusses the general pressures that are forcing sewage sludge managers to reconsider land application of sludges where it is not already used; presents the cost of using gamma-radiation from the isotope cesium-137 for sludge disinfection; and documents the economic and social pressures that could compel a city such as Washington, D.C. to disinfect its compost before sale. Washington was chosen as an example because it is a city for which suitable compost marketing data are readily available. With these data it is reasonably straightforward to document the costs and benefits of radiation processing. The economic and social pressures that affect Washington are probably similar to those in many other areas where the radiation disinfection of dried sludge could provide the same disposal options.

Research Organization:
Sandia National Lab. (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
EY-76-C-04-0789
OSTI ID:
5089646
Report Number(s):
SAND-77-2045; TRN: 78-010060
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English