Biotechnology To Separate and Treat Metals in Sludge and Wastewater A Literature Review

Army industrial sludge may be classified as a hazard-ous waste when it contains oil and grease, metals, and energetic compounds. It is difficult to treat this hazard-ous waste according to regulatory requirements at a reasonable cost using conventional sludge treatment methods. Biologic separation / treatment of metals from industrial sludge has been identified as a possible alternative to conventional technologies for treating industrial sludge. Biologic treatment of sludge uses naturally occurring biochemical reactions in which pollutants can be used as resources. The process offers a low-cost, highly efficient alternative to existing sludge treatment methods. This report summarizes a literature review that examined the development and status of biotech-nology to separate and treat metals in sludge and wastewater. DTI