Pyrolysis of sewage sludge:: nitrogenated compounds and pretreatment effects

Pyrolysis at high temperature (850 degreesC) of different sewage sludge has been studied in a horizontal laboratory reactor. Volatile and semivolatile organic compounds from pyrolysis of seven different samples have been identified and quantified. Results show that yields of several compounds are similar to those obtained from other wastes in similar conditions. Nitrogenated aromatic compounds have been identified as characteristic compounds in sewage sludge pyrolysis due to their nitrogenous constitution. The origin and formation of these compounds are discussed. The effect of different pre-treatment methods of sewage sludge in the composition of pyrolysis gases has also been discussed. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.