Wastewater treatment and sludge management strategies for environmental sustainability

Abstract Wastewater treatment plants produce large volumes of sludge on a daily basis as a by-product containing soluble and insoluble impurities. The proper management of sewage sludge is a main issue to control environmental pollution and limit negative impacts on human health. However, sludge is rich in nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorous and contains valuable organic matter that is useful. Due to this, management of sewage sludge includes its regulated reuse in agriculture in such a way as to prevent any harmful effect on the environment and living beings. Different strategies have emerged for sewage sludge management. These strategies are crucial for the sustainability aspects of sludge management. The importance of sewage sludge as a valuable source of nutrients and energy is elaborated, as well as a potential risk related to the application of these strategies.