Sludge
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
The term sludge (or slurry) refers to a range of semi-solid/semi-liquid substances or deposits. In the United States, sewage sludge is sometimes referred to as septage (when associated with sludge from septic tanks).
[edit] Types of sludge
In the construction industry, sludge is often produced during the excavation process as a type of mud with a high water content.
Sludge can also be generated by activities such as industrial wastewater treatment using biological or chemical processes. Industrial sludge can sometimes be produced in solid form, such as sewage sludge from wastewater treatment or faecal sludge from pit latrines and septic tanks.
[edit] Managing sludge
Generally, sludge contains a significant amount of liquid (which is primarily water). Once it is treated and the liquid is removed, some types of dried sludge can be used as a form of fertiliser.
Food and beverage sludge can sometimes be converted into animal feed.
The use of raw sewage sludge is being explored by scientists as a possible building material.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles
Check out some of the best features and news from Designing Buildings as well as key stories from around the web.
New and updated CLC building safety guidance.
New UK National Buildings Database.
Building Safety Wiki Interviews
Chief executive of the British Woodworking Federation.
Planning condition discharge in England and Wales
A brief explanation from a building compliance expert, with further links.
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
Guidance for dealing with element of building fabric control that have increasing importance.
Shading for housing, a design guide
From the Good Homes Alliance and British Blind and Shutter Association.
UK Standard Skills Classification (SSC)
A shared framework for describing skills needs.
Social media ban consultation comes to close
CIOB urges UK Government to consider social media’s role in careers guidance in ban debate.
The latest of eight Skills England apprenticeship units
The addition of battery manufacturing welcomed by ECA with a warning about the risks of fast-tracked apprenticeship units.
Building Control Independent Panel final report
A precis of a key report led by Dame Hackitt with full recommendations and link to the government response.
Building Safety recap April, 2026
A short and longer run-through of the month, with links to further information and sources.