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Abstract
This research project investigated sustainable resource recovery and characterization strategies for sludge waste generated by Seven-Up Bottling Company's manufacturing operations in Oluku, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. The study comprehensively characterized sludge waste streams from three primary sources within the facility: water treatment plant sludge from clarification processes, cleaning sludge from equipment washing operations, and storage tank sludge from ingredient preparation areas. The research employed systematic sampling and analysis approaches following standard laboratory procedures, with comprehensive physicochemical analysis conducted at the Civil and Structural Engineering Laboratory of the University of Benin. Physical properties including total solids, volatile solids, and moisture content were examined through oven-drying at 105°C and loss on ignition at 550°C.
The results revealed highly favorable characteristics for beneficial reuse applications. The cleaning sludge exhibited a near-neutral pH of 6.9, falling within the optimal range (6.0-7.0) for agricultural crop production, and moderate electrical conductivity of 506 μS/cm, indicating appropriate salt content without salinity risks. The sludge contained valuable plant nutrients including elevated levels of calcium (6.41 mg/L), magnesium (4.71 mg/L), phosphorus (0.241 mg/L), and various nitrogen forms (ammonia nitrogen: 0.330 mg/L, nitrate: 0.283 mg/L), making it suitable as a soil amendment or fertilizer component
The study concludes that Seven-Up Bottling Company's sludge waste possesses excellent characteristics for resource recovery and beneficial reuse, particularly for agricultural applications. The combination of favorable nutrient content, near-neutral pH, low heavy metal concentrations, absence of petroleum contamination, and minimal pathogenic microorganisms demonstrates the sludge's suitability for transformation from an environmental liability into a valuable resource. This research provides the technical foundation for implementing sustainable waste management practices that align with circular economy principles while generating environmental and economic benefits for the company and surrounding agricultural communities.
The results revealed highly favorable characteristics for beneficial reuse applications. The cleaning sludge exhibited a near-neutral pH of 6.9, falling within the optimal range (6.0-7.0) for agricultural crop production, and moderate electrical conductivity of 506 μS/cm, indicating appropriate salt content without salinity risks. The sludge contained valuable plant nutrients including elevated levels of calcium (6.41 mg/L), magnesium (4.71 mg/L), phosphorus (0.241 mg/L), and various nitrogen forms (ammonia nitrogen: 0.330 mg/L, nitrate: 0.283 mg/L), making it suitable as a soil amendment or fertilizer component
The study concludes that Seven-Up Bottling Company's sludge waste possesses excellent characteristics for resource recovery and beneficial reuse, particularly for agricultural applications. The combination of favorable nutrient content, near-neutral pH, low heavy metal concentrations, absence of petroleum contamination, and minimal pathogenic microorganisms demonstrates the sludge's suitability for transformation from an environmental liability into a valuable resource. This research provides the technical foundation for implementing sustainable waste management practices that align with circular economy principles while generating environmental and economic benefits for the company and surrounding agricultural communities.
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