‫‪Saleh Al-Muzaini‬‬

‫‪PERFORMANCE OF SAND DRYING BEDS‬‬

‫‪FOR SLUDGE DEWATERING‬‬

‫*‪Saleh Al-Muzaini‬‬
‫‪Environmental Sciences Department‬‬
‫‪Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research‬‬
‫‪Kuwait‬‬

‫اﻟﺨﻼﺻــﺔ‪:‬‬
‫ﺗـﻢ ﻓﻲ هﺬا اﻟﺒﺤﺚ ﺗﻘﻴﻴﻢ اﻟﺤﻤﺄة اﻟﻤﻨﺘﺠﺔ ﻣﻦ ﻣﺤﻄﺔ اﻟﺠﻬﺮاء ﻟﻤﻌﺎﻟﺠﺔ ﻣﻴﺎﻩ اﻟﺼﺮف اﻟﺼﺤﻲ ﺣﻴﺚ ﻳﺮآﺰ‬
‫هﺬا اﻟﺘﻘﻴﻴﻢ ﻋﻠﻰ آﻔﺎءة أﺣﻮاض اﻟﺘﺠﻔﻴﻒ اﻟﺮﻣﻠﻴﺔ‪ ،‬ﺧﺎﺻﺔ ﻓﻴﻤﺎ ﻳﺘﻌﻠﻖ ﺑﺠﻮدة اﻟﺤﻤﺄة اﻟﻤﻨﺘﺠﺔ ﻣﻘﺎرﻧﺔ ﺑﺎﻟﻤﻌﺎﻳﻴﺮ‬
‫اﻟﺪوﻟﻴﺔ اﻟﺨﺎﺻﺔ ﺑﺠﻮدة اﻟﺤﻤﺄة اﻟﻤﺘﻌﺎرف ﻋﻠﻴﻬﺎ‪ .‬وﻣﻦ اﻟﻨﺘﺎﺋﺞ اﻟﻤﺴﺘﺨﻠﺼﺔ ﻣﻦ اﻟﺘﺠﺎرب اﻟﻌﻠﻤﻴﺔ اﻟﻤﺘﻌﻠﻘﺔ‬
‫ن اﻟﺤﻤﺄة اﻟﻤﻨﺘﺠﺔ ﺗﺤﺘﻮي ﻋﻠﻰ‬ ‫ﺑﻤﺤﺘﻮى اﻟﺤﻤﺄة ﻣﻦ اﻟﻤﻌﺎدن اﻟﺜﻘﻴﻠﺔ وأﻧﻮاع اﻟﺒﻜﺘﻴﺮﻳﺎ اﻟﻤﻮﺟﻮدة ﺑﻬﺎ ﺗ َﺒﻴﱠﻦ أ ّ‬
‫ﺗﺮآﻴﺰات ﻋﺎﻟﻴﺔ ﻣﻦ اﻟﻤﻮاد اﻟﻌﻀﻮﻳﺔ واﻟﺮﻣﻞ وﺗﺮآﻴﺰات ﻗﻠﻴﻠﺔ ﻣﻦ اﻟﻤﻌﺎدن اﻟﺜﻘﻴﻠﺔ‪.‬‬
‫آﻤﺎ أﺷﺎرت ﻧﺘﺎﺋﺞ اﻟﺒﺤﺚ ﺑﺄن أﺣﻮاض اﻟﺘﺠﻔﻴﻒ اﻟﺮﻣﻠﻴﺔ ﻓﻲ وﺿﻌﻬﺎ اﻟﺤﺎﻟﻲ ﺑﻤﺤﻄﺔ اﻟﺠﻬﺮاء ﻟ ﻦ ﺗﻮاآ ﺐ‬
‫اﻟﺘﻄﻮرات واﻟﺘﻮﺳﻌﺎت اﻟﻤﺴﺘﻘﺒﻠﻴﺔ ﺧﺎﺻﺔ ﻓﻴﻤﺎ ﻳﺘﻌﻠﻖ ﺑﺈﻧﺘﺎج اﻟﺤﻤﺄة‪.‬‬
‫وﺑﻨﺎء ﻋﻠﻰ ذﻟﻚ ﻳﺸﻴﺮ اﻟﺒﺤﺚ ﺑﺄن اﻟﻄﺎﻗﺔ اﻻﺳﺘﻴﻌﺎﺑﻴﺔ ﻷﺣﻮاض اﻟﺘﺠﻔﻴﻒ اﻟﺤﺎﻟﻲ ﻗﺪ وﺻﻠﺖ إﻟﻰ أآﺜﺮ ﻣ ﻦ‬
‫ﻣﻌﺪﻟﻬﺎ‪ ،‬وأن اﻟﻤﺤﻄﺔ ﺑﺤﺎﺟﺔ ﻣﺎﺳﺔ ﻣﻦ ﺛﻼﺛﺔ أﺿﻌﺎف اﻟﻄﺎﻗﺔ اﻟﺤﺎﻟﻴﺔ إﻟﻰ أرﺑﻌﺔ ﻷﺣﻮاض اﻟﺘﺠﻔﻴﻒ ﺣﺘﻰ ﻳﻤﻜ ﻦ‬
‫ﻟﻠﻤﺤﻄﺔ ﻣﻮاآﺒ ﺔ اﻟﺰﻳ ﺎدة اﻟﻤﺘﻮﻗﻌ ﺔ ﻓ ﻲ آﻤﻴ ﺔ اﻟﺤﻤ ﺄة وﺑﺎﻟﺘ ﺎﻟﻲ زﻳ ﺎدة ﻃﺎﻗﺘﻬ ﺎ اﻻﺳ ﺘﻴﻌﺎﺑﻴﺔ‪ .‬إﺿ ﺎﻓﺔ إﻟ ﻰ ذﻟ ﻚ ﻓ ﺈن‬
‫أﺣﻮاض اﻟﺘﺠﻔﻴﻒ اﻟﺮﻣﻠﻴﺔ ﻏﻴﺮ ﻣﻨﺎﺳﺒﺔ ﻟﻠﻈﺮوف اﻟﻤﻨﺎﺧﻴﺔ اﻟﺤﺎﻟﻴﺔ ﺑﺤﻴﺚ ﻳﺼﻌﺐ اﻟﺴ ﻴﻄﺮة ﻋﻠﻴﻬ ﺎ‪ ،‬ﺧﺎﺻ ﺔ ﻋﻨ ﺪ‬
‫هﻄ ﻮل اﻷﻣﻄ ﺎر‪ ،‬وﺗﻐﻴ ﺮ درﺟ ﺔ اﻟﺤ ﺮارة واﻟﻘ ﺪرة ﻋﻠ ﻰ اﻟﺘﺼ ﺮﻳﻒ ‪ .‬ﻟ ﺬا ﻧ ﺮى ﺑ ﺄن أهﻤﻴ ﺔ اﺳ ﺘﺨﺪام أﺣ ﻮاض‬
‫اﻟﺘﺠﻔﻴﻒ اﻟﺮﻣﻠﻴﺔ ﻗﺪ ﻗﻞ ﻋﻤﺎ آﺎن ﻋﻨﻪ ﺳﺎﺑﻘًﺎ آﺄﺟﻬﺰة ﻟﺘﺠﻔﻴﻒ اﻟﺤﻤﺄة‪ .‬ﺗﺴﺘﻬﺪف هﺬﻩ اﻟﻮرﻗﺔ ﺗﻘﻴﻴﻢ آﻔﺎءة أﺣ ﻮاض‬
‫اﻟﺘﺠﻔﻴﻒ اﻟﺮﻣﻠﻴﺔ اﻟﺤﺎﻟﻴﺔ ﺑﻤﺤﻄﺔ اﻟﺠﻬﺮاء ﻟﻤﻌﺎﻟﺠﺔ ﻣﻴﺎﻩ اﻟﺼﺮف اﻟﺼﺤﻲ ﻣﻊ اﻗﺘﺮاح أﻓﻀﻞ ﺗﻘﻨﻴﺔ ﻟﻠﻘﻀﺎء ﻋﻠ ﻰ‬
‫اﻟﻤﺸﻜﻼت اﻟﺘﻲ ذآﺮت ﺳﺎﺑﻘًﺎ‪.‬‬

‫____________________________‬
‫‪*Address for correspondence:‬‬
‫‪P.O. Box: 24885,‬‬
‫‪Safat-13109,‬‬
‫‪Kuwait‬‬
‫‪E-mail: smuzaini@safat.kisr.edu.kw‬‬
‫‪Tel. (965) 4836100 Ext. 4241, Fax. (965) 4836098‬‬

‫‪October 2003‬‬ ‫‪The Arabian Journal for Science and Engineering, Volume 28, Number 2B‬‬
‫‪161‬‬
 Saleh Al-Muzaini

ABSTRACT
Sludge produced by the Jahra treatment plant was assessed. The assessment
was directed at determining the performance of sand drying beds. The assessment
of the quality of the sludge produced was based on the standards for land
application of sewage sludge. Analyses were carried out for trace heavy metals
and bacteria. The results of the analyses showed that the sludge produced was
high in organic matter and sand content but low in heavy metals. The collected
data indicated that the sand drying beds at the Jahra treatment plant are at present
inadequate to handle the projected sludge production. The investigation showed
that the sand drying beds are fully used, and the plant will require 3–4 times the
capacity of the existing drying beds when the plant becomes fully operational. In
addition, these sand drying beds are subjected to uncontrollable conditions such
as temperature, rainfall and sludge drainage rate. Thus, sand drying beds have
become less popular as a dewatering system. This paper evaluates the
performance of the existing sand drying beds and suggests the most appropriate
technology to alleviate the above-mentioned problems.
‫ـــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــ‬
Key words: Sand drying bed; Sewage; Treatment; Kuwait; Plants

162 The Arabian Journal for Science and Engineering, Volume 28, Number 2B October 2003
 Saleh Al-Muzaini

PERFORMANCE OF SAND DRYING BEDS

FOR SLUDGE DEWATERING

INTRODUCTION
Sand-drying-bed processes found early application with wastewater to dewater sludge, but their use declined with
widescale implementation of mechanical units. Sand beds are usually used for small industrial or community waste
treatment plants. The sludge can be dewatered on open or covered sand beds. The method is very simple and requires
minimal operator attention [1]. They also require a considerable amount of land, and are subject to such uncontrolled
variables as rainfall, temperature, humidity, and drainage rate. They cause odor problems, which increase in severity as
long as sludge production expands [2– 4]. Sand drying beds are less complex, easier to operate, and require less
operational energy than mechanical dewatering systems. They easily produce a sludge cake with 25 – 40 percent solids
and can exceed 60 percent solids with additional drying time [5 – 8].
The sewage treatment plant at Jahra dewaters its sludge through conventional sand drying beds. The plant is located
about 15 km to the west of Kuwait City. The design and construction of the plant took place in the late seventies, the
secondary plant was put in operation in 1981, and the tertiary plant came on line in 1982. The plant was designed to
receive 66000 m3/d of sewage daily. The excess sludge produced in the plant is directed to thickeners, and then to sand-
drying dewatering units. These units remove a part of the liquid by bottom drainage and the rest by evaporation. Figure1
shows the locations of the Jahra sewage treatment plant and the city of Jahra in relation to Kuwait City.
The number of drying beds is not sufficient to dry the total amount of sludge produced, and therefore, part of it is
hauled out of the plant directly after thickening by truck-tankers for disposal at a supervised location. At the Jahra plant,
there are at present 30 drying beds, which are able to dry about 100 m3 of sludge daily. About 500 m3/d of sludge is
removed by tankers for disposal at a supervised location. A lack of sufficient area in the vicinity of the plant restricts the
expansion of the existing sand drying beds, which may lead to increased generation of odor [9]. This study was initiated
to examine the present dewatering facilities at the Jahra sewage treatment plant and to measure pollutant levels in the
produced sludge to help assess the overall quality of the sand drying beds. The information obtained from the study will
help to establish a basis for reducing pollutant levels and encourage the authorities at the Jahra plant to come up with
remedial measures to reduce pollution levels at the plant, as well as contributing to discussion on the design of the
drying-bed process and future modifications to be made to improve the operation and performance of the sand drying
beds.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
At the Jahra sewage treatment plant, there are three large sludge drying beds. Each bed is further divided into 10
cells. At present, there are 30 drying cells measuring 25 × 15 m. The sludge drying beds consist of a 40 cm-thick layer of
sand over 20-cm of graded gravel. The sand has a uniformity coefficient of not more than 40 and an effective grain size
of 0.3 – 0.75 mm. A network of buried pipes collects the filtrate that percolates through the sand and gravel. The buried
pipes include 10 cm lateral subdrains, which connect to a single 15-cm main subdrain, for each cell. The subdrain pipes
are 50- cm- long sections of asbestos cement pipe with open joints. A piece of tarpaper is placed on the top of each open
joint to prevent material from falling into the pipe. The filtrate from the subdrains flows via 20-and 25-cm drainage
sewers to a manhole upstream of the treatment plant, where the treatment process is repeated. Sludge that remains on top
of the sand bed is solidified by the percolation of water downward into the sand and also from the evaporation from the
surface of the sludge. The sludge, which can be dried in 9 days in summer and in 15 days in winter, produces a cake of
up to 40% solids. The schematic layout of a sand drying bed is shown in Figure 2.
The drying beds at the Jahra plant were designed to cope with sludge production. The authorities at the Jahra plant
are faced with the problem of having a high quantity of dry sludge; therefore, they decided that a portion of the produced
sludge should be disposed of in a pit in the vicinity of the plant or hauled away by truck-tankers for dumping off-site.

October 2003 The Arabian Journal for Science and Engineering, Volume 28, Number 2B
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 Saleh Al-Muzaini

Figure 1. The Jagra sewage treatment plant with respect to Kuwait.

164 The Arabian Journal for Science and Engineering, Volume 28, Number 2B October 2003
 Saleh Al-Muzaini

Figure 2. The schematic layout of a sand drying bed.

SAMPLING AND ANALYSIS

The study at the Jahra plant lasted approximately one year. Samples were collected from a representative dry bed.
The collected samples were analyzed for heavy metals and bacteriological indicators. The arsenic, cadmium, chromium,
copper, lead, mercury, molybdenum, nickel, selenium, and zinc levels in the dry sludge were determined using a
Shimadzu model 680 atomic adsorption spectrophotometer. Parameters such as total coliform, fecal coliform, and
salmonella were selected to monitor the level of pollution in the dry sludge in the Jahra plant. Bacterial examination of
the sludge was conducted according to standard methods. Sample preparation procedures and analysis were conducted
according to the standard methods for the examination of water and wastewater [10].
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Dry Sludge Characteristics
Samples were collected monthly, and analyzed to determine the physical and chemical characteristics of the dry
sludge produced at the Jahra plant.

Table 1. Microbial Analysis of Dry Sludge

Parameter Range Average SD

Total Count 1.1 × 107 –13 × 1016 7.3 × 1010 + 3.8 × 1010
Coliform 2.3 × 107 –10 × 108 4.25 × 108 + 2.4 × 1010
Fecal Coliform 4.4 × 107 –90 × 108 4.62 × 108 + 30.2 × 1010
Salmonella 1.3 × 107 –60 × 108 9.1 × 108 + 20.5 × 1010
SD= Standard deviation
Note: Concentration = Number of colonies in 100 cm3 of sludge

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The result of the microbial analyses of dry sludge produced at the Jahra Treatment Plant are presented in Table 1.
The fecal coliform count was low for the produced sludge, which indicates the effectiveness of the treatment in
producing, bacteriologically, acceptable sludge quality. The dry sludge contained sand, suspended solids, and organic
matter. The total suspended solids (TSS) and total volatile solids (TVS) were high, as shown in Table 2. This suggests
that the Jahra plant receives a high concentration of suspended solids, which may cause septic conditions in the plant.
The sludge in Jahra is high in organic matter because of the organic content of flows into domestic sewage, and from the
industrial sector, nearby petrol stations, and car garages. This calls for implementation of oil traps in the sewerage
system. The presence of a high concentration of solids in the sludge indicates dewateration and possibly high specific
resistance to filtration. The high sand content of local sludge is mostly due to the frequent occurrence of sand and dust
storms in the area [11]. Reduction of volatile solids is recommended to help to reduce the odor problems and pathogenic
exposure.
Table 2. Suspended Solids and Organic Matter of Dry Sludge.

Type Thickened Sludge (mg/l) Dewatered Sludge(mg/l)

Range Average SD Range Average SD
TVS 19 –26× 103 23 × 103 ND ND ND ND
TSS 25–35 × 103 25 × 10 3
ND 6–110 × 10 3
7.5 × 10 3
ND
Note: SD= Standard deviation,TSS= Total suspended solids,TVS=Total volatile solids, ND= Not Detected.
Table 3 lists the concentrations of selected heavy metals in the sludge. These were Al, B, Cd, Cu, Hg, K, Na, Zn,
and Pd. Zn, Cu, and Ni were selected for their toxicity to terrestrial plants, in the case of land disposal [12]. Cd was
selected for its tendency to accumulate in the edible parts of terrestrial plants [13]. Al, Cd, Cu, Hg, Pd, and Zn were
selected for the potential effect on the marine ecosystem, in the case of sea disposal of dry sludge [14]. The results of the
analyses were as follows: 2730 mg/kg of Ca, 1662 mg/kg of Na, 354 mg/kg of Cr, 39.6 mg/kg of Cu, 807 mg/kg of Fe,
69 mg/kg of Mn, 18.6 mg/kg of Ni, and 318 mg/kg of Zn.
Table 3. Chemical Characteristics of Sludge at the Jahra Treatment Plant
Compared to Typical Values
Average
Allowable Pollutant Ceiling Concentration
Monthly
Pollutant Concentration (mg/kg)
Concentration
(mg/kg) [16] [16]
(mg/kg) [11]
Aluminum NM NA NA
Arsenic NM 41 75
Boron NM NA NA
Cadmium 0 39 85
Chromium 354 1200 3000
Copper 39.6 1500 4300
Iron NM NA NA
Lead 0 300 840
Mercury NM 17 57
Molybdenum 0 NA 75
Nickel 18.6 420 420
Potassium NM NA NA
Selenium NM 36 100
Sodium 1662 NA NA
Zinc 318 2800 750

Notes: NA: Not available, NM: Not measured

166 The Arabian Journal for Science and Engineering, Volume 28, Number 2B October 2003
 Saleh Al-Muzaini

These levels are much lower than ceiling concentrations listed by the Environmental Protection Agency [16]. The
findings were expected, since the sludge dewatering process would dramatically lower heavy metals concentrations in
sludge solid [17]. It is a clear indication that heavy metals concentrations will not have any affects if the sludge is
discharged from the plant to a dumping site. The total heavy metals concentration is important in characterizing sewage
sludge, but not sufficient to predict the sludge effect of the sludge on plant growth. The latter task needs further
investigation [18].
Drying Bed Performance
Table 4 presents data on the performance of drying beds at the Jahra plant. The average amount of thickened sludge
produced on drying beds is estimated to be 278 m3/d. This amount is considered high compared with other sites in the
world [7]. This, of course, can be understood due to the hot climate in Kuwait.
Table 4 also presents the projected sludge solids content, and the number and area of drying beds required for the
Jahra plant. Table 4 shows that the sludge drying beds are not sufficient to dewater the quantities of sludge produced at
the Jahra plant. Approximately three times the present area is needed by the year 2017 for the Jahra plant to cope with
sludge production when the plant is in full design operation.
Table 4. Projected Sludge Solids and Number of Drying Beds Required for the
Jahra Plant [1]

Thickened Sludge Solids Area of Drying Number of

2
Year Sludge (kg/d) Beds (m ) Drying
3
(m /d) Beds

1985* 143 4290 12045 32

1990 190 5700 16004 43
1995 228 6840 19205 51
2000 266 7980 22405 60
2010 352 10545 29607 79
2017** 412 12360 34703 92
Notes:
* The study started in 1984 [1].
**The year in which the plant will receive sewage flow equal to the full design capacity.

CONCLUSIONS
The main objective of this study was to examine the present dewatering facilities at the Jahra treatment plant and to
measure the pollutant levels in the produced sludge in order to assess the overall performance of the sand drying bed
facilities. This was important because of the problems associated with the existing dewatering system in Kuwait.
Laboratory results for the sludge produced at the Jahra plant showed that organic matter and sand content are high, and
heavy metals contents are low.
Based on the results, using sand-drying-bed technologies for dewatering at the Jahra plant will be difficult.
Furthermore, sand-drying beds always face problems with clogging of the sand layer. In addition, the sand quality in
drying beds sometimes does not conform with standard specifications, allowing escape of the fine sand particles into the
drainage system, clogging the drainage system.
Suitable options for sludge dewatering equipment are recommended, but an effective mechanical investigation
should be conducted. Therefore, a pilot mechanical dewatering facility should be established to provide the capacity for
simultaneous exploration of various mechanical dewatering systems such as belt filter press, centrifuge, and vacuum
filtration and pressure filtration [19]. The performance of these types of equipment could be improved by adding
chemicals to the sludge as a conditioner [20].

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Various operational factors applied to the dry sludge beds may affect the average daily, monthly, and yearly
production of sludge [21]. Therefore, more than 12 months of data should be collected in order to observe any changes in
sludge production. With the population increase expected, production of sludge will increase. No change may be
projected in the physical or chemical characteristics of the Jahra plant’s sludge. If industrial wastewater is allowed into
the sewage system, there will be a need for flow pretreatment procedures before discharge into the network. These
requirements will control the amount of pollutants allowed into the sewage system, and produce less toxic and hazardous
dry sludge.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This work is primarily related to the project entitled “Selection of an Effective Sludge Dewatering System for
Kuwait” (VSO12C), funded by the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement
of Sciences, and Kuwait’s Environment Public Authority.
Personnel from the Jahra plant are acknowledged for assisting the project team and for providing the records on
several parameters that are routinely measured at the plant. The author wishes to extend his thanks to the Ministry of
Public Works for their help and support.
REFERENCES
[1] F. Ghobrial, O. Samhjan, K. Al-Harmi, and A. Eliman, “Appropriate Technology for Sludge Dewatering in Kuwait”, Report
No.KISR. 1980, Kuwait: Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, 1986
[2] W. J. Clarke, W. Viessman, Jr. and M. J. Hammer, Water Supply and Pollution Control, 3rd edn. New York: Harper &
Row, 1977.
[3] R. L. Culp, G. M. Wesner, and G. L. Culp, Hand -Book of Advanced Wastewater Treatment, New York: Van Nostrand
Reinhold Environmental Engineering Series: New York, USA, 1978, 2nd edn.
[4] W. W. Eckenfelder, Jr. and C. J. Santhanam, Sludge Treatment; Pollution Engineering and Technology Series No. 14. New
York: Marcel Decker, 1981.
[5] EPA, “Dewatering Municipal Wastewater Sludge”, Report No. EPA/625/1–87/014 Washington DC: U. S. Environmental
Protection Agency, 1987.
[6] W. W. Eckenfelder, Industrial Water Pollution Control. New York: McGraw- Hill, 1989.
[7] M. A. Al-Layla, S. Ahmadi, and E. J. Middlebrooks, Handbook of Wastewater Collection and Treatment, Water Management
Series. London: Garland STPM Press, 1980.
[8] M. J. Hammer, Water and Wastewater Technology. New York: John Wiley and Sons, 1975.
[9] Ministry of Public Works, “Jahra Sewage Treatment Plant”, Report by the Government of Kuwait, 1994.
[10] Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater, 19th ed. Washington, D.C: American Public Health
Ass.,WPCF, and AWWA, 1995.
[11] F. Khalaf and M. Al-Hashash, “Aeolian Sedimentation in the Northwestern Part of the Arabian Gulf”, Journal of Arid
Environments, 6 (1983), pp. 319–332.
[12] R. D. Davis, “Crop Uptake of Metals Cd, Pd, Cu, Ni, Zn and Cr from Sludge Treated Soil and Its Implication for Soil Fertility
and for the Human Diet”. In Processing Use of Sewage Sludge. Dordrecht, Holland: D. Reidel Publishing Co, 1984,
pp. 349–357.
[13] J. A. Hansen and J. C. Tjell, “Sludge Application on Land: Overview of the Cadmium Problem”. In Environmental Effect of
Organic and Inorganic Contaminants in Sewage Sludge, ed. R. D. Davis, G. Hucker, and P. L. Hermite Dordrecht, Holland:
D. Reidel Publishing Co, 1983, pp. 91–112.
[14] U. Forstner and G. T. W. Wittman, Metal Pollution in the Aquatic Environment. 2nd edn. Berlin: Springer–Verlag ,1981
[15] Ministry of Public Works, Report on Management, Operation and Maintenance of Jahra Sewage Treatment Plant. Ministry of
Public Works, Kuwait, 1998.
[16] Water Environment Federation, Land Application of Sewage Sludge, Alexandria, Virginia: Water Environment Federation,
1994.
[17] S. Al-Muzaini, M. Al-Mutairi, A. Kurian, and R. Al-Nafisi, “Selection of an Effective Sludge Dewatering System for Kuwait”.
Report No. KISR 5466. Kuwait: Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, 1999.

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[18] N. V. Hue and S. A. Ranjith, “Sewage Sludge in Hawai Chemical Composition and Reaction with Soil and Plants”, Water, Air,
Soil Pollution, (72) (1994), pp. 265–283.
[19] EPA, “Process Design Manual for Dewatering Municipal Wastewater Sludges”. Report No. EPA – 625/ 1– 82–014, Washington
DC: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1982.
[20] P. R. Karr, “Factors Influencing the Dewatering Characteristics of Sludge”, Ph. D. Dissertation, Clemson University, South
Carolina, 1976.
[21] T. H. Y. Tebutt, and M. J. D. White, “Sludge Age and Stability”, in Sludge Characteristics and Behavior. Lisse, The
Netherlands: M. J. D. Martinus Nijhoff Publishers, 1983, pp. 83–133.
Paper Received 7 April 2001, Revised 22 February 2003, Accedpted March 19, 2003.

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