Summary of cesium-137 sludge irradiation activities in the United States

Abstract Research initiated in 1975 has demonstrated that cesium-137 is an effective isotope for reducing pathogens in sewage sludge to levels where reuse of the material in public areas meets criteria for protection of the public health. Complementary research has demonstrated the value of the irradiated sludge in both agronomic and animal science applications. A 7,250 kg/day cesium-137 sludge irradiator is operating at Sandia National Laboratories. A full-scale facility will be constructed and operated by the City of Albuquerque, New Mexico to disinfect the City's sludge prior to reuse.