scope:

Gives guidance on the sampling of sludges from waste water treatment works, water treatment works and industrial processes. It is applicable to all types of sludge arising from these works and also to sludges of similar characteristics, e.g. septic tank sludges. Guidance is also given on the design of sampling programmes and techniques for the collection of samples. Sampling may be motivated by different objectives; some of which are: to provide data for the operation of activated sludge plants; to provide data for the operation of sludge treatment facilities; to determine the concentration of pollutants in waste water sludges for example disposal to land fill; to test whether substance limitations are adhered to when sludge is used in agriculture; process control in potable and waste water treatment including: - addition or withdrawal of solids; - addition or withdrawal of liquid; legally enforceable aspects of the disposal of sewage and waterworks sludges; special investigations into the performance of new equipment and processes; the optimisation of costs; for example the transport of sludges for treatment and/or disposal; When designing a sludge sampling programme it is essential for the objectives of the study to be kept in mind, so that the information gained corresponds to that required. In addition the data should not be distorted by the use of inapropriate techniques such as inadequate storage temperatures or the sampling of unrepresentative parts of a treatment plant.