Evaluation of the potential environmental impacts of the destination of DWTP sludge case study: municipalities of the Paraíba Valley Basin (SP)

• Grant number: 21/03070-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: October 01, 2021
• End date: September 30, 2022
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Sanitary Engineering - Basic Sanitation
• Principal Investigator: Fabiana Alves Fiore Pinto
• Grantee: Ana Carolina Brants Menezes
• Host Institution: Instituto de Ciência e Tecnologia (ICT). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de São José dos Campos. São José dos Campos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Population growth stimulates the expansion of water supply services and, consequently, the production of sludge at Water Treatment Plants (DWTPs). Due to its physical and chemical characteristics, the untreated disposal of these sludges is harmful to the environment. Despite this, in Brazil, the common practice of most of these stations is the launch of DWTP sludge, without any previous treatment, especially in water bodies and landfills, with environmental and economic problems. The change in the current scenario for the disposal of DWTP sludge in the country is a legal obligation so that it can contribute to minimizing soil pollution and maintaining the quality of surface water for its multiple uses. Therefore, this project aims to assess the potential environmental impacts of the allocation of DWTP sludge in the 34 São Paulo municipalities in the Paraíba Valley basin, belonging to the Paraíba do Sul Water Resources Management Unit (UGRHI 2). It is descriptive applied research with an analysis of quantitative and qualitative data, with secondary data obtained from different platforms and the primary data obtained from a survey conducted with municipal public managers. To reach its objectives, the research will have the support of the Basin Agency (AGEVAP). This research corroborates the advancement of scientific knowledge about DWTP sludge and contributes to the establishment of a technological baseline for new scientific advances, with a view to analyzing possible strategies for the sustainable use of sludge. (AU)