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sludge
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A detailed diagram shows the process of sludge treatment and disposal in wastewater treatment, with labeled tanks, pipes, and equipment illustrating steps like flotation, pulping, hydrolysis, digestion, dewatering, and biogas production.
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wastewater treatment
biosolids
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sludge

sewage
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History

sludge, in sewage treatment, solid matter that has settled out of suspension in sewage undergoing sedimentation in tanks or basins. See wastewater treatment.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Robert Curley.