CHEMICAL AND MICROSCOPIC ANALYSIS OF WATER TREATMENT SLUDGE (WTS) FROM BUKIT SEBUKOR WATER TREATMENT PLANT

Abdul Rafeq Saleman; Ridhwan  Jumaidin; Al Amin  Mohamed Sultan; Umar Al Amani Azlan; Fudhail  Abdul Munir; Ahmad Fuad  Ab Ghani

Abdul Rafeq Saleman Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka
Ridhwan Jumaidin
Al Amin Mohamed Sultan Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka
Umar Al Amani Azlan UNIVERSITI TEKNIKAL MALAYSIA MELAKA
Fudhail Abdul Munir Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka
Ahmad Fuad Ab Ghani Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka

Keywords: Water treatment sludge (WTS), chemical composition, scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX

Abstract

In the process of water treatment plant (WTP), a by-product known as water treatment sludge (WTS) are being accumulated in the landfills and thus will become a major concern in the near future. WTS has been examined to look into the potential reuse and rejuvenation. It is known that each WTP produces a different chemical composition which depends on the raw water intake and the treatment process. Thus, in this study, the chemical composition of the WTS will be assessed consistently for a period of 6 months. The samples were then examined using x-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive x-ray (SEM-EDX). Peaks observed in the XRD patterns of WTS were associated with the presence of zirconium, oxygen, aluminium, silicon, and sulphur. The results of SEM-EDX revealed that the WTS contained 29.94% to 47.65% of oxygen with aluminium in the range of 20.57% to 23.43%, silicon at 23.88% to 27.79%, and iron ranges from 4.48% up to 19.24%. The same elements were found in all WTS gathered during the six-month period. However, the results are slightly different from our preliminary data. Based on the results, it is concluded that the WTS is a clay with 70-90% purity. Further investigation is needed to find the sources iron and zirconium elements in the WTS.