Study on Performance of Aerobic Composting of Oil Sludge Contaminated Soil Using Different Bulking Agents

Major problem due to the hazardous waste in a petroleum industry is mainly coming from
the disposal of oil refinery sludge (ORS). ORS consists of heavy metals and other
constituents which are very dangerous to human health and also can pollute the
environment. The aim of this study is to reduce the amount of oil and grease level in ORS
using aerobic composting. Oil refinery sludge was taken from PETRONAS Penapisan
(Terengganu) Sdn. Bhd. from Oily Float Tank (T-3006) KR1, crude tank D901, D902 and
D903, and from Corrugated Plate Interceptor (CPI) compartment. Thus ratio of ORS,
bulking agents and seeding material was 1: 1: 0.5. ORS to bulking agent was 1: 1 (v/v), while
ORS to seeding material was 1: 0.5 (w/w). Recycle office papers were collected at the
printing room academic building UTP, and the dry yard wastes consist of leaves and
branches which are dry and brown in color were collected from the area near the hostel
where it is filled with trees which are fully grown. Sewage sludge was taken from
PETRONAS Penapisan (Melaka) Sdn. Bhd. at the waste water clarifier and was used as
seeding material in the compost pile. Two different mixtures was been introduced in the
same ratio amount. The composter was made in cubic containers with dimension (0.25m x
0.25m x 0.25m). Opened at the top and with small holes in the bottom and side, and been
wrapping with rice bag (fabric). Oil and grease level, temperature, pH, C: N ratio and
moisture content were monitored during composting. Composter 1 and 2, working under
the similar condition, which recorded temperatures was between 31-35°C, and moisture
content (50-60%), with optimum pH level (6.5-8.0). The maximum oil and grease reduction
was 55.9 % starting from week 1 to week 14 experimental period in compost 2, using
shredded papers as a bulking agent