Urban waste water treatment per province and river basin district

Urban waste water treatment per province and river basin district

Regions Periods Urban waste water treatment plants Numbers by type Total number (number) Urban waste water treatment plants Numbers by type Trickling filters (number) Urban waste water treatment plants Numbers by type Aeration tanks (number) Urban waste water treatment plants Numbers by type Oxidation tanks (number) Urban waste water treatment plants Numbers by type Oxidation ditches (number) Urban waste water treatment plants Numbers by type Carrousels (number) Urban waste water treatment plants Numbers by type Discontinuous systems (number) Urban waste water treatment plants Numbers by type Parallel installations (number) Urban waste water treatment plants Numbers by type Multi-stage installations (number) Urban waste water treatment plants Numbers by type Compact installations (number) Urban waste water treatment plants Numbers by type Nereda granular sludge reactor (number) Urban waste water treatment plants Numbers by type Hybrid Nereda - active sludge system (number) Urban waste water treatment plants Capacity pollution equivalents by type Total capacity pollution equivalents (1 000 pollution equivalent) Urban waste water treatment plants Capacity pollution equivalents by type Trickling filters (1 000 pollution equivalent) Urban waste water treatment plants Capacity pollution equivalents by type Aeration tanks (1 000 pollution equivalent) Urban waste water treatment plants Capacity pollution equivalents by type Oxidation tanks (1 000 pollution equivalent) Urban waste water treatment plants Capacity pollution equivalents by type Oxidation ditches (1 000 pollution equivalent) Urban waste water treatment plants Capacity pollution equivalents by type Carrousels (1 000 pollution equivalent) Urban waste water treatment plants Capacity pollution equivalents by type Discontinuous systems (1 000 pollution equivalent) Urban waste water treatment plants Capacity pollution equivalents by type Parallel installations (1 000 pollution equivalent) Urban waste water treatment plants Capacity pollution equivalents by type Multi-stage installations (1 000 pollution equivalent) Urban waste water treatment plants Capacity pollution equivalents by type Compact installations (1 000 pollution equivalent) Urban waste water treatment plants Capacity pollution equivalents by type Nereda granular sludge reactor (1 000 pollution equivalent) Urban waste water treatment plants Capacity pollution equivalents by type Hybrid Nereda - active sludge system (1 000 pollution equivalent) Influent waste water Quantities Volume waste water (1 000 m3) Influent waste water Quantities Pollution Equivalents (1 000 pollution equivalent) Influent waste water Quantities Chemical oxygen demand (COD) (1 000 kg) Influent waste water Quantities Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) (1 000 kg) Influent waste water Quantities Nitrogen compounds as N (total) (1 000 kg) Influent waste water Quantities Phosphorus compounds as P (total) (1 000 kg) Influent waste water Quantities Copper (kg) Influent waste water Quantities Chromium (kg) Influent waste water Quantities Zinc (kg) Influent waste water Quantities Lead (kg) Influent waste water Quantities Cadmium (kg) Influent waste water Quantities Nickel (kg) Influent waste water Quantities Mercury (kg) Influent waste water Quantities Arsenic (kg) Discharge of waste water (effluent) Quantities Volume waste water (1 000 m3) Discharge of waste water (effluent) Quantities Pollution Equivalents (1 000 pollution equivalent) Discharge of waste water (effluent) Quantities Chemical oxygen demand (COD) (1 000 kg) Discharge of waste water (effluent) Quantities Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) (1 000 kg) Discharge of waste water (effluent) Quantities Nitrogen compounds as N (total) (1 000 kg) Discharge of waste water (effluent) Quantities Phosphorus compounds as P (total) (1 000 kg) Discharge of waste water (effluent) Quantities Copper (kg) Discharge of waste water (effluent) Quantities Chromium (kg) Discharge of waste water (effluent) Quantities Zinc (kg) Discharge of waste water (effluent) Quantities Lead (kg) Discharge of waste water (effluent) Quantities Cadmium (kg) Discharge of waste water (effluent) Quantities Nickel (kg) Discharge of waste water (effluent) Quantities Mercury (kg) Discharge of waste water (effluent) Quantities Arsenic (kg) Sewage sludge Wet sewage sludge by destination Total wet sludge (1 000 kg) Sewage sludge Wet sewage sludge by destination Agriculture (1 000 kg) Sewage sludge Wet sewage sludge by destination Wet oxidation (1 000 kg) Sewage sludge Wet sewage sludge by destination Composting (1 000 kg) Sewage sludge Wet sewage sludge by destination Landfill (1 000 kg) Sewage sludge Wet sewage sludge by destination Incineration (1 000 kg) Sewage sludge Wet sewage sludge by destination Cement industry (1 000 kg) Sewage sludge Wet sewage sludge by destination Co-incineration at power plants (1 000 kg) Sewage sludge Wet sewage sludge by destination Other destinations (1 000 kg) Sewage sludge Dry solids by destination Total dry solids (1 000 kg) Sewage sludge Dry solids by destination Agriculture (1 000 kg) Sewage sludge Dry solids by destination Wet oxidation (1 000 kg) Sewage sludge Dry solids by destination Composting (1 000 kg) Sewage sludge Dry solids by destination Landfill (1 000 kg) Sewage sludge Dry solids by destination Incineration (1 000 kg) Sewage sludge Dry solids by destination Cement industry (1 000 kg) Sewage sludge Dry solids by destination Co-incineration at power plants (1 000 kg) Sewage sludge Dry solids by destination Other destinations (1 000 kg) Sewage sludge Nutrients and heavy metals Ashes (1 000 kg) Sewage sludge Nutrients and heavy metals Nitrogen compounds as N (1 000 kg) Sewage sludge Nutrients and heavy metals Phosphorus compounds as P (1 000 kg) Sewage sludge Nutrients and heavy metals Copper (kg) Sewage sludge Nutrients and heavy metals Chromium (kg) Sewage sludge Nutrients and heavy metals Zinc (kg) Sewage sludge Nutrients and heavy metals Lead (kg) Sewage sludge Nutrients and heavy metals Cadmium (kg) Sewage sludge Nutrients and heavy metals Nickel (kg) Sewage sludge Nutrients and heavy metals Mercury (kg) Sewage sludge Nutrients and heavy metals Arsenic (kg)
Nederland 2021 313 1 57 56 42 119 2 10 14 1 9 2 29,957 54 10,225 4,585 1,111 10,058 91 956 1,598 91 827 363 1,963,884 26,781 1,039,561 438,139 93,852 13,120 . . . . . . . . 1,963,884 1,998 72,524 8,217 14,379 1,681 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Noord-Nederland (LD) 2021 61 1 9 10 5 29 1 2 2 1 0 1 3,369 54 651 375 81 1,454 40 186 97 91 0 340 226,961 2,841 111,671 44,390 9,625 1,415 . . . . . . . . 226,961 254 9,807 1,045 1,439 160 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oost-Nederland (LD) 2021 81 0 13 13 17 25 0 3 6 0 3 1 6,768 0 1,922 1,648 317 2,322 0 185 211 0 140 23 380,619 6,374 249,329 102,772 21,890 3,107 . . . . . . . . 380,619 419 14,670 1,335 3,042 418 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
West-Nederland (LD) 2021 121 0 20 28 6 54 1 5 5 0 2 0 13,382 0 4,396 2,118 98 4,739 51 585 927 0 468 0 881,936 11,562 442,838 192,745 41,727 5,531 . . . . . . . . 881,936 854 30,522 3,549 6,415 722 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Zuid-Nederland (LD) 2021 50 0 15 5 14 11 0 0 1 0 4 0 6,438 0 3,255 443 615 1,543 0 0 363 0 218 0 474,368 6,004 235,723 98,232 20,611 3,067 . . . . . . . . 474,368 471 17,525 2,289 3,483 382 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Groningen (PV) 2021 22 0 4 4 2 8 1 1 1 0 0 1 1,017 0 180 110 13 260 40 17 56 0 0 340 74,404 894 36,597 13,074 2,709 426 . . . . . . . . 74,404 94 3,669 488 592 53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fryslân (PV) 2021 27 1 0 4 1 19 0 0 1 1 0 0 1,336 54 0 170 16 964 0 0 41 91 0 0 94,838 1,136 43,133 18,152 4,175 591 . . . . . . . . 94,838 95 3,788 308 465 64 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Drenthe (PV) 2021 12 0 5 2 2 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 1,016 0 471 95 51 230 0 169 0 0 0 0 57,719 811 31,941 13,164 2,742 398 . . . . . . . . 57,719 65 2,350 249 382 43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Overijssel (PV) 2021 32 0 9 6 8 2 0 1 5 0 0 1 2,198 0 899 632 219 218 0 21 186 0 0 23 120,410 1,871 72,753 30,031 6,504 898 . . . . . . . . 120,410 129 4,865 367 893 111 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Flevoland (PV) 2021 5 0 0 1 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 754 0 0 65 0 689 0 0 0 0 0 0 29,684 660 25,058 11,523 2,433 329 . . . . . . . . 29,684 29 1,033 90 203 25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gelderland (PV) 2021 44 0 4 6 9 19 0 2 1 0 3 0 3,816 0 1,023 951 98 1,415 0 164 25 0 140 0 230,525 3,843 151,519 61,218 12,953 1,881 . . . . . . . . 230,525 262 8,771 878 1,947 282 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Utrecht (PV) 2021 23 0 3 4 0 14 0 0 1 0 1 0 2,110 0 185 108 0 1,365 0 0 19 0 432 0 121,421 1,840 71,513 31,249 6,402 848 . . . . . . . . 121,421 101 3,750 390 769 66 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Noord-Holland (PV) 2021 30 0 8 5 3 8 1 3 2 0 0 0 4,565 0 1,930 1,038 82 785 51 433 246 0 0 0 285,632 3,979 151,764 68,002 14,478 1,935 . . . . . . . . 285,632 298 10,264 1,091 2,118 203 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Zuid-Holland (PV) 2021 53 0 3 14 3 30 0 1 2 0 0 0 5,908 0 1,833 786 16 2,546 0 65 662 0 0 0 419,906 5,165 198,253 85,229 18,589 2,489 . . . . . . . . 419,906 385 14,008 1,686 3,078 383 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Zeeland (PV) 2021 15 0 6 5 0 2 0 1 0 0 1 0 799 0 448 186 0 43 0 86 0 0 36 0 54,976 578 21,309 8,265 2,258 259 . . . . . . . . 54,976 70 2,500 382 449 69 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Noord-Brabant (PV) 2021 33 0 11 2 14 5 0 0 1 0 0 0 4,386 0 2,772 16 615 620 0 0 363 0 0 0 316,852 4,234 167,146 70,513 14,298 2,362 . . . . . . . . 316,852 308 11,757 1,305 2,250 283 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Limburg (PV) 2021 17 0 4 3 0 6 0 0 0 0 4 0 2,051 0 484 427 0 922 0 0 0 0 218 0 157,517 1,770 68,576 27,719 6,313 705 . . . . . . . . 157,517 163 5,768 983 1,233 99 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The river Eems 2021 16 0 7 3 0 4 0 0 1 0 0 1 1,134 0 366 102 0 270 0 0 56 0 0 340 79,430 986 40,317 14,551 3,003 463 . . . . . . . . 79,430 105 4,039 556 643 58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The river Rijn (North Rijn) 2021 38 1 0 5 4 24 1 1 1 1 0 0 1,521 54 0 178 45 1,054 40 17 41 91 0 0 109,065 1,285 48,929 20,408 4,694 668 . . . . . . . . 109,065 110 4,323 367 562 75 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The river Rijn (East Rijn) 2021 73 0 13 14 13 23 0 2 5 0 2 1 6,819 0 1,515 1,707 314 2,814 0 190 186 0 70 23 372,917 6,200 241,154 99,079 21,609 2,993 . . . . . . . . 372,917 397 14,128 1,064 2,806 316 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The river Rijn (Central Rijn) 2021
The river Rijn (West Rijn) 2021 114 0 16 24 9 50 1 6 6 0 2 0 13,096 0 4,641 1,968 130 4,190 51 662 952 0 502 0 863,197 11,614 447,779 195,755 41,278 5,613 . . . . . . . . 863,197 839 29,747 3,529 6,391 776 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The river Maas 2021 52 0 14 3 14 16 0 0 1 0 4 0 6,085 0 2,784 427 606 1,686 0 0 363 0 218 0 444,740 5,620 220,395 91,968 19,365 2,842 . . . . . . . . 444,740 430 15,910 2,174 3,170 315 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The river Schelde 2021 20 0 7 7 2 2 0 1 0 0 1 0 1,302 0 919 202 16 43 0 86 0 0 36 0 94,534 1,074 40,986 16,377 3,902 540 . . . . . . . . 94,534 117 4,377 528 807 141 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Source: CBS.
Explanation of symbols

Dataset is not available.


This table presents the most significant results of the annual survey Public treatment of urban waste water. The results are presented per province and river basin district (Rijn, Maas, Eems and Schelde) and include:
- number and capacity of the urban waste water treatment plants by type of treatment;
- the volume and concentration of organic matter, nutrients and heavy metals in the waste water running into waste water treatment plants (influent) and the volume of treated waste water (effluent). As of 2017, data on heavy metals are only inventoried for even years.
- the volume and destination of the sludge released, with nutrients and heavy metals. As of 2017, sludge data are only inventoried for even years.
Additional data on urban waste water treatment plants, process technology, energy consumption, generation of energy and sludge dewatering can be accessed on the Dutch version of StatLine.

Data available from: 1981

Status of the figures:
The figures in this table are definitive.

Changes as of 22 March 2023:
The figures of 2021 has been added.

When will new figures be published?
New figures on 2022 will be published by March 2024.

Description topics

Urban waste water treatment plants
The number and capacity of urban waste water treatment plants in the Netherlands where nearly all domestic waste water and waste water from the private sector is treated. The plants are all operated by regional water quality control authorities.
Numbers by type
Number of sewage water treatment plants broken down by method of treatment.
Total number
The total number of urban waste water treatment plants in the Netherlands.
Trickling filters
Waste water is sprinkled over a layer of porous stones covered with bacteria (biofilm). Thus, organic compounds in the waste water are degraded.
Aeration tanks
Pre-settled waste water runs through an intensively aerated basin containing active sludge (bacteria). Organic pollutants are degraded by oxygen and active sludge. The treatment process takes up only a short period of time and the sludge load is high which is typical of aeration basins.
Oxidation tanks
Operates by the same principle as the aeration tank but the sludge load is significantly lower. The resulting sludge is highly mineralised and will therefore decompose more slowly.
Oxidation ditches
In oxidation ditches, waste water is directed through a aeration circuit several times. The process takes up 2 or 3 days. Consequently, the sludge load is extremely low.
Carrousels
This technology is chiefly applied in large installations. Typical of carrousels are the depth (between 2 to 4 metres) and the aeration method.
Discontinuous systems
Oxidation basins and oxidation ditches. Waste water is let in batch-controlled.
Parallel installations
Various combinations of treatment systems (so-called 'streets') are applied in one installation.
Multi-stage installations
A serial process consisting of two systems, for instance, a trickling filter and an aeration basin. The waste water runs through both stages.
Compact installations
A system consisting of a basin subdivided into four segments. Waste water flows into the aeration segment. Subsequently, the sludge is separated in the central aeration zone. Then part of the sludge is conditioned in the reaeration zone and led back into the aeration zone. The other part (surplus sludge) is stabilised in the sludge mineralisation zone and subsequently removed.
Nereda granular sludge reactor
In the Nereda granular sludge reactor the wastewater is purified by micro-organism clogged in natural granular structures of high density. These granules have a high biological activity and make it easy to separate the micro-organisms from the treated wastewater.

As from 2019 this new treatment type is distinghuished separately in Statline. In the period 2011-2018 already 4 Nereda systems became operational. Until 2019, these installations were classified as oxidation tanks and/or discontinous systems.
Hybrid Nereda - active sludge system
System consisting of a parallel operated Nereda granular sludge reactor and activated sludge system.

In the Nereda granular sludge reactor the wastewater is purified by micro-organism clogged in natural granular structures of high density. These granules have a high biological activity and make it easy to separate the sludge from the treated wastewater.

In activated sludge systems the wastewater is treated in bassins with flocculated sludge . This sludge clumps exists of microorganisms that feed on the the organic pollution in wastewater.

As from 2019 this new treatment type is distinghuished separately in Statline. In the period 2013-2018 already 2 hybrid Nereda - activated sludge sytems became operational. Until 2019, these installations were classified as parallel installations.
Capacity pollution equivalents by type
Capacity urban waste water treatment plant:
A value that indicates how much organic pollution theoretically can be treated by a waste water treatment plant.

The pollution equivalent is the official unit that quantifies the pollution in waste water; one pollution equivalent = 150 g TOD (Total Oxygen Demand).
One pollution equivalent is the daily quantity of oxygen-demanding material in the waste water of one person. The degree of pollution in the waste water produced by the private sector is also expressed in pollution equivalents.
This unit is used as of 2010, so for previous years no values are available.
Total capacity pollution equivalents
Trickling filters
Waste water is sprinkled over a layer of porous stones covered with bacteria (biofilm). Thus, organic compounds in the waste water are degraded.
Aeration tanks
Pre-settled waste water runs through an intensively aerated basin containing active sludge (bacteria). Organic pollutants are degraded by oxygen and active sludge. The treatment process takes up only a short period of time and the sludge load is high which is typical of aeration basins.
Oxidation tanks
Operates by the same principle as the aeration tank but the sludge load is significantly lower. The resulting sludge is highly mineralised and will therefore decompose more slowly.
Oxidation ditches
In oxidation ditches, waste water is directed through a aeration circuit several times. The process takes up 2 or 3 days. Consequently, the sludge load is extremely low.
Carrousels
This technology is chiefly applied in large installations. Typical of carrousels are the depth (between 2 to 4 metres) and the aeration method.
Discontinuous systems
Oxidation basins and oxidation ditches. Waste water is let in batch-controlled.
Parallel installations
Various combinations of treatment systems (so-called 'streets') are applied in one installation.
Multi-stage installations
A serial process consisting of two systems, for instance, a trickling filter and an aeration basin. The waste water runs through both stages.
Compact installations
A system consisting of a basin subdivided into four segments. Waste water flows into the aeration segment. Subsequently, the sludge is separated in the central aeration zone. Then part of the sludge is conditioned in the reaeration zone and led back into the aeration zone. The other part (surplus sludge) is stabilised in the sludge mineralisation zone and subsequently removed.
Nereda granular sludge reactor
In the Nereda granular sludge reactor the wastewater is purified by micro-organism clogged in natural granular structures of high density. These granules have a high biological activity and make it easy to separate the micro-organisms from the treated wastewater.

As from 2019 this new treatment type is distinghuished separately in Statline. In the period 2011-2018 already 4 Nereda systems became operational. Until 2019, these installations were classified as oxidation tanks and/or discontinous systems.
Hybrid Nereda - active sludge system
System consisting of a parallel operated Nereda granular sludge reactor and activated sludge system.

In the Nereda granular sludge reactor the wastewater is purified by micro-organism clogged in natural granular structures of high density. These granules have a high biological activity and make it easy to separate the sludge from the treated wastewater.

In activated sludge systems the wastewater is treated in bassins with flocculated sludge . This sludge clumps exists of microorganisms that feed on the the organic pollution in wastewater.

As from 2019 this new treatment type is distinghuished separately in Statline. In the period 2013-2018 already 2 hybrid Nereda - activated sludge sytems became operational. Until 2019, these installations were classified as parallel installations.
Influent waste water
Data on concentrations and quantities of pollutants in the waste water running into urban waste water treatment plants (influent).
Quantities
Volume waste water
The annual volume of influent waste water.
Pollution Equivalents
The pollution equivalent is the official unit that quantifies the pollution in waste water; one pollution equivalent = 150 g TOD (Total Oxygen Demand).
One pollution equivalent is the daily quantity of oxygen-demanding material in the waste water of one person. The degree of pollution in the waste water produced by the private sector is also expressed in pollution equivalents.
This unit is used as of 2010, so for previous years no values are available.
Chemical oxygen demand (COD)
Chemical oxygen demand (COD). Measure of the amount of oxygen consumed when a substance is degraded chemically.
Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD)
Biological oxygen demand (BOD). Measure of the amount of oxygen consumed when a substance is biodegraded.
Nitrogen compounds as N (total)
The total amount of nitrogen in organic compounds (e.g. proteins) and inorganic compounds (e.g. nitrate and ammonium)
Phosphorus compounds as P (total)
The total amount of phosphates and other phosphorus compounds in waste water, measured as phosphorus (P).
Copper
Chromium
Zinc
Lead
Cadmium
Nickel
Mercury
Arsenic
Discharge of waste water (effluent)
Data on concentrations and quantities of pollutants in treated waste water (effluent) discharged from urban waste water treatment plants.
Quantities
Volume waste water
The annual volume of effluent waste water.
Pollution Equivalents
The pollution equivalent is the official unit that quantifies the pollution in waste water; one pollution equivalent = 150 g TOD (Total Oxygen Demand).
One pollution equivalent is the daily quantity of oxygen-demanding material in the waste water of one person. The degree of pollution in the waste water produced by the private sector is also expressed in pollution equivalents.
This unit is used as of 2010, so for previous years no values are available.
Chemical oxygen demand (COD)
Chemical oxygen demand (COD). Measure of the amount of oxygen consumed when a substance is degraded chemically.
Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD)
Biological oxygen demand (BOD). Measure of the amount of oxygen consumed when a substance is biodegraded.
Nitrogen compounds as N (total)
The total amount of nitrogen in organic compounds (e.g. proteins) and inorganic compounds (e.g. nitrate and ammonium).
Phosphorus compounds as P (total)
The total amount of phosphates and other phosphorus compounds in waste water, measured as phosphorus (P).
Copper
Chromium
Zinc
Lead
Cadmium
Nickel
Mercury
Arsenic
Sewage sludge
Residue of treated waste water consisting of suspended solids and excess active sludge (biomass). Sewage sludge is measured including water (see Total wet sludge) or as dry solids.
Wet sewage sludge by destination
The volume of wet sewage sludge, i.e. including water by destination (processing method).
Total wet sludge
Total wet sludge discharged.
Agriculture
Application of manure or soil improver in agriculture. Due to rigid legislation impossible since 1995.
Wet oxidation
Wet oxidation of sludge in so-called VerTech installations: the sludge is oxidised under high pressure in a deep shaft.
Composting
Landfill
Dumping of sludge on regional landfill sites or special sludge depots.
Incineration
Incineration of sludge in special sludge incineration plants or in household waste incinerators.
Cement industry
Co-incineration in cement ovens.
Co-incineration at power plants
Sewage sludge used as a secondary fuel at a power plant.
Other destinations
Mainly reuse.
Dry solids by destination
Discharged sewage sludge in kilogrammes of dry solids by destination (processing method). Dry solid is the residue of sewage sludge after evaporation at 105 degrees centigrade.
Total dry solids
Agriculture
Application of manure or soil improver in agriculture. Due to rigid legislation impossible since 1995.
Wet oxidation
Wet oxidation of sludge in so-called VerTech installations: the sludge is oxidised under high pressure in a deep shaft.
Composting
Landfill
Dumping of sludge on regional landfill sites or special sludge depots.
Incineration
Incineration of sludge in special sludge incineration plants or in household waste incinerators.
Cement industry
Co-incineration in cement ovens.
Co-incineration at power plants
Sewage sludge used as a secondary fuel at a power plant.
Other destinations
Mainly reuse.
Nutrients and heavy metals
The total weight of nutrients and heavy metals removed with the sludge. Most heavy metals adsorb strongly to the sludge particles.
Ashes
The residue of non-inflammable, inorganic matter after incineration.
Nitrogen compounds as N
The total amount of nitrogen in organic compounds (e.g. proteins) and inorganic compounds (e.g. nitrate and ammonium).
Phosphorus compounds as P
The total amount of phosphorus in sewage sludge is analysed as P205 (diphosphorus pentoxide) converted to P total.
Copper
Chromium
Zinc
Lead
Cadmium
Nickel
Mercury
Arsenic