Evaluation of Some Trace Metals (Zn, Cd, Cu and Pb) in Sewage Sludge Samples Taken from Some Pumping Stations in Benghazi-Libya

Abstract

Due to the little data available on the levels of trace metals concentration in sewage sludge in and around Benghazi city, it was necessary to determine the current concentration, composition, distribution and sources of trace metals in the sludge of different wastewater treatment plants. Accordingly, raw sewage sludge samples collected from sixteen wastewater-pumping stations at Benghazi city have undergone  evaluation of pH and some trace metals concentrations (mainly Zn, Cd, Cu and Pb) in dried sludge using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Their monthly and spatial variations in sludge have been described.

Keywords: Benghazi city, Trace metals, atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS).