Assessment of influence of addition of potassium drilling fluid on potassium content in activated sludge in wastewater treatment process in SBR reactors

Abstract

The activated sludge is described as a complex biological system composed of microorganisms. Within this system, processes of both physical and biochemical nature undergo, resulting in the purification of wastewater as well as industrial sewage. Recent researches indicate also on a possibility of co-treatment via activated sludge of used drilling fluids. As a result of wastewater treatment, sewage sludge is being formed, which according to its composition may become a waste to dispose or a product for natural reuse. The hereby paper presents the influence on potassium content in the activated sludge of addition of used drilling fluids (volume ranging from 0.25% to 4% of the volume of treated wastewater), which may have an impact on the final natural use of sludge.