What is the term for the solid waste generated during sewage treatment?

The term for the solid waste generated during sewage treatment is sludge. Sludge is the semi-solid material that remains after the treatment process separates solids from liquids. In sewage treatment facilities, raw sewage undergoes various processes to remove organic matter, nutrients, and pathogens. During this process, the solids that settle out are referred to as sludge.

Sludge can contain a mixture of organic matter, bacteria, and other contaminants, and it is usually processed further for disposal, stabilization, or potential reuse as biosolids in agriculture. This process is an essential part of sewage treatment as it ensures that contaminants are adequately handled.

Other terms like effluent describe the treated liquid discharged from the treatment facility, while residue and biomass do not specifically refer to the solid waste produced during sewage treatment processes. Residue is a more general term for what is left after any process, and biomass typically refers to organic materials used for energy production and does not encompass the concept of waste generated in sewage treatment.