Large-scale Solar Sludge Drying in Managua/Nicaragua

摘要

Within the framework of a programme aimed at reducing the biological contamination of Lake Managua, a central wastewater treatment plant for the city of Managua (1.1 million p. e.) was constructed and commissioned at the end of 2009. Annual sludge production amounts to 26,000 m3 and sludge disposal and/or reuse thus present a major challenge. Based on the results of extensive studies, the combination of solar sludge drying and subsequent reuse in agriculture was considered the most appropriate solution. This approach was honoured with a'Distinction'awarded by the Global Water Intelligence in 2010. Throughout the past decades, Lake Managua or Lago Xolotlan with its total surface of about 1,000 km~2 has served as main recipient for all sorts of wastewater, domestic and industrial from the city of Managua being the principal source of pollution. Considering the fast growing population of the capital (already more than 1 million inhabitants) and the constantly decreasing water quality in the lake, a comprehensive environmental rehabilitation and protection programme was launched in the nineties.