Use of Sludge From Kraft Mill Wastewater Treatment as Improver of Volcanic Soils: Effect on Soil Biological Parameters

Abstract

Sludge from kraft mill wastewater treatment was applied on two soils derived from volcanic ashes and, the effect on biological parameters of the soils was evaluated. The soils used in this study were an Andisol belonging of Gorbea Series and an Ultisol belonging of Collipulli Series. The sludge was added at rates of 0, 10, 20, 30 and 50 t ha -1 . Previously, germination of red clover (Trifolium pratense), white clover (Trifolium repens), alfalfa (Medicago sativa) and ryegrass (Lolium perenne) was tested to assess phytotoxicity of the sludge. The different soil-sludge mixtures were incubated at controlled temperature for 60 days and microbial respiration, microbial biomass carbon, fluorescein diacetate hydrolysis and acid phosphatase activity were evaluated throughout the incubation time. All biological parameters evaluated were sensitive enough to shown the effect of sewage sludge application on soil microorganisms. The sludge application at different rates increased significantly (P<0.05) the microbial activity and enzymatic activity of the sludge amended soils. The maximum levels of activity were observed between 15 and 30 days after sludge application in both Gorbea soil and Collipulli soil, obtaining the highest values when were applied between 30 and 50 t ha -1 . The results of this study suggest that sludge from kraft mill wastewater treatment may have potential as a beneficial soil amendment for improving biological properties of the soils.

Phytotoxic effect of paper pulp sludge on Alfisol soil

“…In Chile, paper pulp sludge has been studied as a volcanic soil amender, with results indicating this waste is a potential soil improver (Aravena et al, 2007;Gallardo et al, 2007;Gallardo et al, 2009;Gallardo et al, 2010). The use of municipal sludge, salmon manure from pisciculture and from lake-cage farming on different types of soils have also being studied (Celis et al, 2007;Sandoval et al, 2010;Sandoval et al, 2011;Celis et al, 2011).…”

Pulp and paper mill sludge management practices: What are the challenges to assess the impacts on greenhouse gas emissions?

“…Chantigny et al (2000) reported that applied de-inking PPMS stimulated microbial growth and activity while enzyme activity leveled off at a rate of 50 Mg dry ha −1 resulting from an excessive carbon input. Similarly, a laboratory study revealed that application of secondary PPMS from Kraft mill at rates ranging between 10 and 50 Mg wet ha −1 (PPMS collected from the landfill site after one year disposal) increased microbial and enzyme activities (Gallardo et al, 2010). However, the same type of PPMS applied in a field experiment at rates of 10, 20 and 30 Mg wet ha −1 did not modify Table 2 Summary of the beneficial uses of pulp and paper mill sludge (PPMS) for land application in agriculture, silviculture, land reclamation and composting.…”

Wastes from pulp and paper mills - a review of generation and recycling alternatives

“…Thus, incineration is the common practice for the disposal of sludge in this region [25]. Gallardo et al [80] studied soils of volcanic origin in Chile (Andisol -Gorbea Series and Argisol -Collipulli Series) and evaluated the effects of secondary sludge addition. Sludge loads of up to 50 t/ha were applied.…”