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Utilization of Sewage Sludge in the Sustainable Manufacturing of Ceramic Bricks

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  • Kairat Ospanov

    (Institute of Geology and Oil-Gas Business, Department of Hydrogeology, Engineering and Oil and Gas Geology, Stabayev University, Almaty 0500013, Kazakhstan)

  • Dariusz Andraka

    (Faculty of Civil Engineering and Environmental Sciences, Bialystok University of Technology, 15-351 Bialystok, Poland)

  • Elmira Kuldeeva

    (Institute of Geology and Oil-Gas Business, Department of Hydrogeology, Engineering and Oil and Gas Geology, Stabayev University, Almaty 0500013, Kazakhstan)

  • Issatay Munussov

    (Institute of Geology and Oil-Gas Business, Department of Hydrogeology, Engineering and Oil and Gas Geology, Stabayev University, Almaty 0500013, Kazakhstan)

Abstract

The storage of sewage sludge in landfills is still the primary method of their disposal in many countries. Therefore, finding sustainable solutions for the reuse of this waste is an important issue to be addressed. This paper presents the results of research on processing sewage sludge generated at the wastewater treatment plants of Almaty, Kazakhstan, for use in the manufacturing of ceramic bricks. The chemical composition of the sewage sludge was determined, showing the presence of 35.7% silicon dioxide, 7.3% aluminum oxide, 11.2% iron oxide, and 10.6% calcium oxide. Experimental studies established that adding sewage sludge to clay reduces the compressive strength of ceramic bricks while increasing their flexural strength. Furthermore, as the proportion of sewage sludge in the clay mixture increases, the average density of the ceramic bricks decreases, while water absorption increases. It was also found that ceramic bricks made from a mixture of 90% clay and 10% sewage sludge demonstrated the best physico-mechanical properties. This composition showed increased flexural strength and a simultaneous reduction in the average density by 15.4%, indicating the improved structural quality of the manufactured bricks.

Suggested Citation

  • Kairat Ospanov & Dariusz Andraka & Elmira Kuldeeva & Issatay Munussov, 2025. "Utilization of Sewage Sludge in the Sustainable Manufacturing of Ceramic Bricks," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(14), pages 1-14, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:14:p:6431-:d:1701174
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Masoud Ahmadi & Babak Hakimi & Ahmadreza Mazaheri & Mahdi Kioumarsi, 2023. "Potential Use of Water Treatment Sludge as Partial Replacement for Clay in Eco-Friendly Fired Clay Bricks," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(12), pages 1-13, June.
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