Bleached kraft pulp mill sludge may present traces of heavy metals and organochorine compounds even when ECF (elemental chorine free) bleaching sequences are used due to the presence of chlorine dioxide. The objective of this work was to evaluate the absorption potential of heavy metals and organochlorine compounds (PCDD and PCDF) by Brassica juncea when bio-sludge of an activated sludge plant and organic compost prepared from bio-sludge mixed with Eucalyptus bark of a bleached kraft pulp mill. The plants were cultivated in 0.63 dm³ pots in greenhouses during 73 days. The following parameters were monitored in the substrate and in the plants: Fe, Mn, Pb, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cr, Cl-, total organic carbon and AOX (adsorbable organic halogen compounds). Content of heavy metals in the soil after compost application was within the Brazilian legal standards for compost application. Traces of PCDD e PCDF were found in the substrate at concentrations lower than 0.5 ng I-TEQ/kg (ppt). These values were lower than the highest quality criteria of 17 ng I-TEQ/kg from Canada and Germany.
Compost; kraft pulp and Solid waste
