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Evaluation of Paper Mill Sludge Using Bioindicators: Response of Soil Microorganisms and Plants

Author

Listed:
  • Adam Pochyba

    (Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Technical University in Zvolen, T. G. Masaryka 24, 96001 Zvolen, Slovakia)

  • Dagmar Samešová

    (Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Technical University in Zvolen, T. G. Masaryka 24, 96001 Zvolen, Slovakia)

  • Juraj Poništ

    (Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Technical University in Zvolen, T. G. Masaryka 24, 96001 Zvolen, Slovakia)

  • Michal Sečkár

    (Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Technical University in Zvolen, T. G. Masaryka 24, 96001 Zvolen, Slovakia)

  • Jarmila Schmidtová

    (Department of Mathematics and Descriptive Geometry, Faculty of Wood Sciences and Technology, Technical University in Zvolen, T. G. Masaryka 24, 96001 Zvolen, Slovakia)

  • Marián Schwarz

    (Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Technical University in Zvolen, T. G. Masaryka 24, 96001 Zvolen, Slovakia)

  • Darina Veverková

    (Institute of Foreign Languages, Technical University in Zvolen, T. G. Masaryka 24, 96001 Zvolen, Slovakia)

Abstract

The growing demand for sustainable waste management practices has prompted interest in the land application of paper sludge as an alternative to landfilling and incineration. This study evaluates the environmental potential of paper sludge derived from recycled hygienic paper production by investigating its effects on soil respiration, seed germination, and seedling development. A comprehensive set of respirometric tests using the OxiTop ® system assessed microbial activity in soil amended with various concentrations of paper sludge (1–100%). Concurrently, bioassays using Lepidium sativum L. and Pisum sativum L. seeds examined the phytotoxicity and physiological response during germination. The results show that low to moderate sludge concentrations (1–20%) stimulated microbial activity and enhanced germination parameters, with a germination index (GI) up to 150% at 1%. However, higher concentrations (>40%) led to oxygen depletion, microbial stress, and decreased plant growth, indicating potential phytotoxicity and the need for application thresholds. For certain intermediate concentrations (e.g., 30–40%), a delay of approximately 21 days before sowing is recommended to allow microbial communities to stabilize and avoid initial stress conditions for plants. This study demonstrates that controlled application of paper sludge in soil systems can serve as a viable and sustainable disposal method, supporting circular economy principles and reducing the environmental burden of paper industry by-products.

Suggested Citation

  • Adam Pochyba & Dagmar Samešová & Juraj Poništ & Michal Sečkár & Jarmila Schmidtová & Marián Schwarz & Darina Veverková, 2025. "Evaluation of Paper Mill Sludge Using Bioindicators: Response of Soil Microorganisms and Plants," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(19), pages 1-26, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:19:p:8788-:d:1761990
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Liao, Xiaocong & Li, Huan, 2015. "Biogas production from low-organic-content sludge using a high-solids anaerobic digester with improved agitation," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 148(C), pages 252-259.
    2. Rahma Inès Zoghlami & Wael Toukabri & Khaoula Boudabbous & Sarra Hechmi & Meriem Barbouchi & Houda Oueriemmi & Mohammed Moussa & Haithem Bahri, 2023. "Assessment of Earthworm Viability and Soil Health after Two Years of Raw and Composted De-Inking Paper Sludge Amendment," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 13(3), pages 1-10, February.
    3. Rosazlin Abdullah & Che Fauziah Ishak & Wan Rasidah Kadir & Rosenani Abu Bakar, 2015. "Characterization and Feasibility Assessment of Recycled Paper Mill Sludges for Land Application in Relation to the Environment," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 12(8), pages 1-16, August.
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