7. Sludge stabilization

7.1 Principle

More specifically, it involves stabilizing organic matter. The aim of this process is to reduce the sludge's fermentable capacity. This reduction offers several significant advantages, including the elimination of unpleasant odors.

Various methods can be used to stabilize sludge. These techniques are suitable for a variety of sludge types, and can be applied either to freshly produced sludge, or specifically to sludge generated during secondary treatment stages.

The treatments used to stabilize these sludges can be classified into three main categories according to their nature.

• Firstly, biological processes use micro-organisms to break down the organic matter contained in...