Microbiological Characterization and Evaluation of Alternatives for the Use of Sludge From Service Stations

Abstract

The activities that involve the use of fossil fuels generally bring with them the generation of waste, mostly of a dangerous or special type, which is difficult to manage and dispose of due to its polluting capacity. In the present work, the characterization and microbiological quality of the collected waste subjected to the application of a composting process carried out in a biodigester is exposed. A sample of oily sludge contaminated with used lubricant residues was taken from the “Los Caciques” Fuel Station in the Vereda San Onofre, in the municipality of Cómbita - Boyacá; Said sample was collected in the storage chambers of the biosolids generated by the establishment during the development of activities such as vehicle washing, fuel sales and changing automobile lubricants. The sample that had a weight of 10.5 kg was taken to the biodigester, and there began a process of production of oxidizing gases of 1L/week on average, due to the presence of anaerobic microorganisms in the sample, among them some were found thermophiles, mesophiles etc. This was evidenced in the characterization carried out in 4 sessions over 1 month. This indicates that the sludge has energy generating capacity due to the characteristics of the bacteria found.