ABSTRACT
This study aimed to monitor and evaluate the composting process of demitted sludge produced from Alexandria wastewater treatment plants. Ten batches of sludge were composted. During the composting process, the batches were investigated and followed up to three months. Representative samples [ten for each batch] were taken from these batches at the start of windrowing, after each turning [4-15 days] and were analyzed for physical, chemical, bacteriological and parasitological characteristics, heavy metals and plant nutrients. The results revealed that C/N ratio of the final compost product comply with the decree of the Minister of Agriculture No. 100/1967; while moisture, C% and TKN did not. Heavy metals, faecal coliforms and helminthes complied with the decree No. 222/2002 for the Minister of Housing, Utilities and Urban Communities. Moisture had positive correlation with both C and VS and negative correlation with pH. Temperature had negative correlation with TKN. Both total and faecal coliforms had negative correlation with temperature and positive correlation with C, N and VS. It was recommended to optimize the quality of the produced sludge compost by using bulking agent rich in carbon and nitrogen as hay or rice straw instead of the matured sludge compost