Sludge dewatering, a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of wastewater treatment, is gaining importance in Australia and New Zealand as environmental regulations tighten.
This process, which reduces waste volume to prepare biosolids for disposal or reuse, is becoming increasingly vital for both municipalities and industries.
The Australia and New Zealand Biosolids Partnership reports that annual dry biosolids production has reached 372,000 tonnes.
When dewatered, this translates to approximately 1.6 million tonnes of material being transported across Australia, with over half moving between 50-400 kilometres for beneficial uses such as agricultural land improvement and mine site reclamation.
Michael Bambridge, a wastewater authority with extensive experience in Australia and New Zealand, emphasises the environmental and economic benefits of effective sludge dewatering.
“Done well, dewatering can be an effective tool to reduce environmental hazards and to curb the expensive costs of transport and disposal, as well as the carbon costs of transporting tens of thousands of tonnes of sludge over considerable distances,” Bambridge explained.
To address the needs of small-to-medium operations, new technologies are being introduced in the region.
One such innovation is the Japanese-made KDS low-maintenance liquid-to-solid waste separator.
This stainless steel device offers a high-performance alternative to traditional methods, using less power than centrifuges and operating without water consumption.
The KDS separator has found applications in various sectors, including:
- Sewage treatment facilities
- Remote communities with septic systems
- Resources and construction sites
- Intensive livestock and aquaculture operations
- Food and beverage processing plants
As water scarcity and environmental concerns grow, the importance of efficient sludge dewatering is expected to increase.
Industry experts stress the need for quality-focused, environmentally responsible wastewater treatment solutions.
“Our main message to environmentally responsible organisations is to engineer for future quality of water output and reliability. Don’t just join the race to the bottom, on upfront pricing alone,” Bambridge advised.
With ongoing technological advancements and a growing emphasis on sustainable practices, sludge dewatering is set to play an increasingly crucial role in Australia’s water management strategy.
