Sewage sludge
Range of services: Sewage sludge
- Analysis in accordance with §§ 5 and 6 of the Sewage Sludge Ordinance (AbfKlärV):
- Heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Hg, Zn)
- Adsorbable organic halogens (AOX)
- pH, dry residue
- Nutrients (ammonium and total N, phosphate, potassium, magnesium and calcium)
- Polychlorinated biphenyls
- Polychlorinated dibenzodioxins and -furans (PCDD/F)
- Perfluorinated surfactants
- Analysis in accordance with the Fertilizer Ordinance (DüMV) for agricultural application for plants with an expansion size of up to 50. 000 population equivalents
- Testing for thermal utilization
- Salmonella
Frequently asked questions
How much sample material must be sent in for a sewage sludge analysis?
For sewage sludge, we require 10 liters of sample material.
Does the sample have to be cooled during transportation to the LUFA?
Sewage sludge samples should be refrigerated.
Can the sampling be carried out by the LUFA?
For sewage sludge, we offer sampling by our trained samplers.
Briefly explained
Sewage sludge Sewage sludge contains valuable plant nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and trace elements such as copper and zinc. In addition to nutrients, however, sewage sludge also contains inorganic pollutants (heavy metals such as lead, mercury and cadmium) as well as organic pollutants and contaminants (e.g. dioxins, polychlorinated biphenyls, perfluorinated surfactants). It is important to know the exact levels of these nutrients and pollutants in order to ensure that fertilizers are applied in line with requirements and the environment. Strict rules apply to the spreading of sewage sludge on agricultural land in order to prevent damage to the soil. |
Agricultural utilization of sewage sludge The application of sewage sludge to agricultural land is regulated by the Sewage Sludge Ordinance (AbfKlärV). In addition to the Sewage Sludge Ordinance, the legal regulations of the Fertilizer Ordinance and the Fertilizer Ordinance must also be observed when spreading sewage sludge. The application of sewage sludge is increasingly being reduced in accordance with the Sewage Sludge Ordinance, which came into force in 2017, as sewage sludge contains numerous undesirable substances whose effects on the soil and environment are not yet sufficiently known. |