What is one of the main benefits of using lime in sludge treatment?

One of the main benefits of using lime in sludge treatment is the reduction in pathogen levels. Lime stabilizes sludge, which involves treating it with lime to raise the pH. This increase in pH creates an environment that is inhospitable for pathogens, effectively killing or inhibiting harmful microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses. This is an essential process for ensuring the safety and hygiene of treated sludge, especially if it is to be used for land application or other uses where public health could be at risk.

In contrast, while some treatments might unintentionally lead to an increased volume of waste or changes in nutrient content, these outcomes are not the primary purpose of lime application. Additionally, odor issues might be managed to some extent through lime treatment, but the main focus and recognized benefit lie in the substantial reduction of pathogens, making it a critical process in wastewater treatment and environmental protection.