Cost and value of pathogen reduction for land application of sludges
The sludge disposal problem is discussed by pointing out the general pressures that are forcing sludge managers to reconsider land application of sludges where it is not already used, presenting the cost of using gamma-radiation from the isotope /sup 137/Cs for sludge disinfection, and documenting the economic and social pressures that could compel a city such as Washington, D.C. to disinfect its compost before sale. The major thrust is to evaluate the incremental cost/benefit of radiation-processing an already dried or composted municipal sludge. However, the larger question of other sludge disposal options and their costs must also be considered. The current cost of trucking and trenching sludges in the Washington, D.C. area averages about $250/dry ton. If composting at $30 to $50/dry ton and radiation-processing at $18/dry ton results in a socially acceptable and pathogen-free product given away free, the city of Washington could save $182 to $202/dry ton processed. Such reduction of the negative balance in municipal budgeting for sludge disposal appears to be an objective worth pursuing.
- Research Organization:
- Sandia Labs., Albuquerque, N.Mex. (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- EY-76-C-04-0789
- OSTI ID:
- 5072719
- Report Number(s):
- SAND-77-2045C; CONF-780127-2
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: 5. conference on acceptable sludge disposal techniques, Orlando, FL, USA, 31 Jan 1978
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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07 ISOTOPES AND RADIATION SOURCES
SEWAGE SLUDGE
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HEALTH HAZARDS
RADIOSTERILIZATION
SOCIO-ECONOMIC FACTORS
CESIUM 137
COST
MARKET
METALS
PARASITES
REGULATIONS
SANITARY LANDFILLS
TRANSPORT
WASHINGTON DC
WASTE PROCESSING
ALKALI METAL ISOTOPES
BETA DECAY RADIOISOTOPES
BETA-MINUS DECAY RADIOISOTOPES
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ELEMENTS
HAZARDS
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ODD-EVEN NUCLEI
PROCESSING
RADIOISOTOPES
SEWAGE
STERILIZATION
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WASTE MANAGEMENT
WASTES
YEARS LIVING RADIOISOTOPES
320604* - Energy Conservation
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070204 - Radiation Sources- Industrial Uses
Radiometric