Title: Potential utilisation of pulp and paper mill biosolids in composting and plant production: a case study at St. Marys Papers Ltd. (Canada)

Authors: Pascale Champagne; Trisha Westman

Addresses: Department of Civil Engineering, Queen's University, 58 University Avenue, Kingston, ON, K7L 3N6, Canada ' Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, Ontario K1S 5B6, Canada

Abstract: The use of St Marys Paper biosolids as a soil additive or growth cover was investigated. Biosolids were mixed with a commercial potting media in five vol/vol ratios and employed in a greenhouse study. The biosolids were found to improve Pinus banksiana seedling growth, a 50% biosolids:50% ProMix mixture yielding the tallest plants and highest dry mass. To further biologically stabilise the biosolids, in-vessel composting studies were undertaken. Results indicated that a 3 parts biosolids:1 part wood chips:1 part sawdust mixture and initial C : N ratio of 30 sustained thermophilic conditions for 12 days reaching a maximum temperature of 52°C and final C : N ratio of 21.

Keywords: composting; biosolids; sludge; pulp and paper mills; metals; nutrients; carbon to nitrogen ratio; growth study; biostabilisation; Canada; potting media; seedling growth; waste management.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEWM.2012.048360

International Journal of Environment and Waste Management, 2012 Vol.10 No.2/3, pp.118 - 132

Published online: 13 Dec 2014 *

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