Aplicabilidade de Lodo ETA para composição de barreiras selantes em aterros sanitários

Water treatment plant (WTP) sludge is a waste product generated during the water treatment process and is made up of a mixture of organic and inorganic materials, which, when disposed of inappropriately, harms water and soil quality. Despite its harmfulness, WTP sludge can be reused, which reduces the negative environmental impacts inherent in its finais disposal. Mixtures of soil and WTP sludge can be used in various stages of landfill construction and operation, such as sealing barriers. These barriers consist of lining and waterproofing systems and prevent the migration of leachate generated by the decomposition of solid waste disposed of in landfills. The aim of this research was to analyze the application of soil-sludge mixtures (10% and 20%, by weight) as an alternative in the composition of sealing barriers in a landfill through geotechnical tests of the soil and soil-sludge mixtures in order to analyze their properties and feasibility. For this purpose, the mixtures were subjected to tests to determine the specific gravity of the particles, particle size distribution, Atterberg limits, maximum dry density and optimum moisture content, permeability, and elemental composition. The experimental results showed an improvement in the soil properties with the incorporation of sludge, making it more plastic, with greater optimal moisture and lower density, thus having properties more suitable for use in a sanitary landfill.