Electron sterilization of sewage sludge: A real case comparison with other processes

Abstract The seventies and early eighties provided high expectations for the adoption of electron treatment of waste. Despite unassailable evidence of assured disinfection, more than a decade has passed and work continues to be concentrated in the laboratory. Reasons for the lack of commitment to build municipal systems are complex. An indication of underlying hurdles may be found form AECL's experience with a recent proposal on a Sludge Management Plan submitted to the City of Edmonton, Canada. A study of this case provides economic assessments of competing technologies and establishes electron sterilization as a competitive process.