Chemical fractionation of phosphorus in stabilized biosolids

J Environ Qual. 2008 Aug 8;37(5):1949-58. doi: 10.2134/jeq2007.0220. Print 2008 Sep-Oct.

Abstract

Three chemicals-ferrous sulfate (FeSul), calcium oxide (CaO), and aluminum sulfate (alum)-were applied at different rates to stabilize P in fresh, anaerobically digested biosolids (FBS) obtained from an activated sewage treatment plant. A modified Hedley fractionation procedure was used to assess P forms in these sludge-borne materials and in a biosolids compost (BSC) prepared from the same FBS. Each biosolids material exhibited a unique pattern of P distribution among fractions. The most available P forms, namely: (i) water-soluble P (WSP); (ii) membrane-P; and (iii) NaHCO(3)-P, were stabilized by small rates of each of the chemicals; but the P transformation into more stable forms depended on the type of chemical added. The stabilized P forms were enhanced by high rates of CaO and FeSul, but were reduced by high rates of alum. The organic P (P(o)) in the first three fractions of the FeSul- and alum-stabilized biosolids was enhanced by the chemical addition, and P(o) transformation from NaOH-P(o) into NaHCO(3)-P(o) was found in calcium-stabilized biosolids. A positive relationship was found between NaHCO(3)-P(o) and the NaHCO(3)-extracted organic C in all chemically stabilized biosolids. One-step extraction by NaHCO(3) or NaOH underestimated P extraction compared to the stepwise extraction. The reported results are consistent with solid-state P speciation reported earlier and contribute important information for optimizing biosolids stabilization to reduce P loss after incorporation in soils and for maximizing soil capacity to safely store pre-stabilized biosolids.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Alum Compounds / chemistry
  • Calcium Compounds / chemistry
  • Carbon / chemistry
  • Ferrous Compounds / chemistry
  • Oxides / chemistry
  • Phosphorus / chemistry*
  • Sewage / chemistry*
  • Soil

Substances

  • Alum Compounds
  • Calcium Compounds
  • Ferrous Compounds
  • Oxides
  • Sewage
  • Soil
  • Phosphorus
  • aluminum sulfate
  • ferrous sulfate
  • Carbon
  • lime