In the typical biological treatment of effluent in a palm oil mill, sludge is produced as the by-product. This is dead microbial material, which accumulates at the bottom of anaerobic lagoons and is rich in plant nutrients and organic matter. Periodically, it has to be removed so that the lagoon does not get ‘silted up’. Typically, the removed sludge is applied to crops. Improper managing of the lagoon will result in higher concentration of nitrogen in the effluent, faster and more sludge buildup and a greater likelihood of stench produced.

Main Research: Ir Mohamad Sulong