DEVELOPMENT OF AN EFFICIENT TECHNOLOGY FOR THE EXTRACTION OF ZINC AND VALUABLE METALS FROM SLUDGE GENERATED BY WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITIES

Abstract

The increasing volume of industrial and municipal wastewater has led to the generation of substantial amounts of sludge containing various heavy metals and valuable elements. Wastewater treatment sludge is traditionally considered a waste product; however, recent studies have demonstrated its potential as a secondary source of zinc and other economically valuable metals. The recovery of metals from sludge contributes to environmental protection, resource conservation, and sustainable industrial development. This review paper examines existing technologies for extracting zinc and valuable metals from wastewater treatment sludge, including hydrometallurgical, pyrometallurgical, and bioleaching methods. The study analyzes the advantages and limitations of different extraction approaches and discusses recent technological innovations in the field. The findings indicate that advanced metal recovery technologies can significantly reduce environmental pollution while generating economic benefits through resource recovery. The paper concludes that the development of efficient and environmentally friendly extraction technologies is essential for promoting circular economy principles and sustainable waste management practices.