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Study on Sludge

Context: 

A study by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Roorkee found that the most of the sludge in Indian sewage treatment plants (STP), set up to treat polluted water from the Ganga, had high potential for use as fertilizer.

Findings of the study:

  • India does not yet have standards classifying sludge as class A or B.
  • Most of the sludge analysed after drying fell into the class B category. 
  • Nitrogen and phosphorous levels — the basic soil nutrients — were higher than those recommended by India’s fertilizer standards (FCO, 2009). 
    • However, potassium levels in some samples were less than recommended. 
  • The total organic carbon was more than 16%, again higher than FCO recommendations, but the degree of pathogens as well as heavy metal contamination was above the recommended standard.
  • The sludge is required treatment before it could be used unrestricted on farms or as a potential biofuel.

Classification of the sludge:

  • Treated sludge can be classified as class A or B — as per the standards of the United States Environment Protection Agency.
  • Sludge belonging to the class A type is safe to be disposed of in the open and useful as organic fertilizer. 
  • Class B sludge means that the sludge can be used in restricted agricultural applications, where the edible parts of the crop should not be exposed to the sludge­ mixed soil, and animals and people not come into extensive contact. 
Additional Information 

  • National Mission for Clean Ganga is a flagship programme of the government to establish treatment facilities and prevent pollution of the river.
  • Its aim is to derive livelihood opportunities from the river rejuvenation programme. 
  • One of the measures under this is “Arth Ganga” (economic value from Ganga), is to “monetise” and reuse treated wastewater and sludge.

News Source: The Hindu

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 Final Result – CIVIL SERVICES EXAMINATION, 2023.   Udaan-Prelims Wallah ( Static ) booklets 2024 released both in english and hindi : Download from Here!     Download UPSC Mains 2023 Question Papers PDF  Free Initiative links -1) Download Prahaar 3.0 for Mains Current Affairs PDF both in English and Hindi 2) Daily Main Answer Writing  , 3) Daily Current Affairs , Editorial Analysis and quiz ,  4) PDF Downloads  UPSC Prelims 2023 Trend Analysis cut-off and answer key

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 Final Result – CIVIL SERVICES EXAMINATION, 2023.   Udaan-Prelims Wallah ( Static ) booklets 2024 released both in english and hindi : Download from Here!     Download UPSC Mains 2023 Question Papers PDF  Free Initiative links -1) Download Prahaar 3.0 for Mains Current Affairs PDF both in English and Hindi 2) Daily Main Answer Writing  , 3) Daily Current Affairs , Editorial Analysis and quiz ,  4) PDF Downloads  UPSC Prelims 2023 Trend Analysis cut-off and answer key

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UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
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Quick Revise Now !
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध

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