THE CHARACTERIZATION OF PAPER MILL BIOSOLIDS AND ITS APPLICATION IN CIVIL ENGINEERING CONSTRUCTION

The rising cost of landfilling and incineration of biosolids has prompted the need for alternative uses of this product. The application of biosolids on land is probably the largest beneficial use, but is relegated to utilization of municipal wastewater sludge due to its composition consisting of nutrient-rich organic material. Paper mill biosolids have a different composition and therefore require a different application to benefit from its reuse. The characterization of these biosolids is considered from both the physical aspect, and also an engineering aspect. The use of paper mill biosolids as a construction material is a relatively new innovative application, and this paper looks at the various applications where paper mill biosolids have been used as an alternative material, and also considers new applications where it can been used.