Sustainable Sludge Reduction with SchlixX Plus

Polishing Pond – Lahntal Göttingen Wastewater Treatment Plant


Peter Heinzerling
(Wastewater Treatment and Sewer System Operator)

 

“After the treatment, only a thin, even layer of sediment remained on the bottom. There’s slightly more in the deeper areas, but overall, we’re extremely satisfied with the result.”

Project highlights

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Impressive impact: approx. 600 m³ of organic sludge removed

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Natural balance preserved: no mechanical excavation required 

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Climate-friendly: reduced potential methane formation and improved oxygen balance

The starting point

 A Pond at the Limit 

Nestled in the northern Hessian landscape near Cölbe lies the Lahntal Göttingen wastewater treatment plant. Over the years, its polishing pond had reached a critical point: increasing layers of organic sludge and nutrient inputs from treated wastewater fueled excessive algae growth. The ecological balance shifted, water quality declined and the pond steadily lost depth. 


Mechanical Cleaning Not an Option

Dredging was ruled out, as the pond bottom is lined with gravel — a mechanical intervention would have caused lasting structural damage. The challenge was clear: find a solution that is effective, ecological and sustainably compatible with the pond’s natural environment.

The solution

SchlixX Plus – Oxygen and Aquatic Microorganisms as the Key to Regeneration 

In collaboration with a German water technology partner, OASE deployed SchlixX Plus — the innovative product for biological sludge reduction.

Its mineral-based active complex gradually releases oxygen over several weeks, allowing aerobic microorganisms to break down organic sludge with exceptional efficiency — all without disturbing the pond structure. SchlixX Plus also contains specific aquatic bacteria that further accelerate the decomposition of organic material.  


More Than Sludge Reduction – A Complete Renewal for the Polishing Pond

SchlixX Plus not only reduces sludge and increases water volume; it strengthens the entire ecosystem. Released phosphates are bound, algae blooms decrease and the overall oxygen balance improves significantly.

The result: a healthy, resilient polishing pond that can respond far better to environmental changes.


The successes

Measurable Results, Visible Transformation

Within just a few months, clear effects were observed:

  • 600 m³ of sludge were biologically degraded — without dredging or pumping
  • The organic content in the sediment dropped by 8.4%
  • The gravel layer at the bottom became visible again.

Stable Water Values, Sustainable Impact 

All measurements confirmed stable water quality and a strengthened ecological balance. SchlixX Plus worked gently yet highly effectively — a perfect blend of environmental compatibility and technical precision.

 

 

Natural Regeneration Instead of Intervention

The Lahntal/Göttingen project demonstrates impressively that even heavy sludge accumulation can be reduced naturally with SchlixX Plus — without costly, invasive mechanical methods.

The polishing pond was treated gently, regained volume and the water became noticeably clearer.


 

Recommendation for Long-Term Clarity

Nutrient inputs from the treatment plant will continue in the future, so regular, seasonal use of SchlixX Plus is recommended to maintain a stable ecosystem. This keeps water quality high and ensures the pond remains a vital, efficient component of the wastewater treatment process.

 

OASE – Your Partner for Healthy, Stable Water Bodies

Would you like to improve the ecological condition of your waterbody, counteract sludge accumulation and protect nature sustainably?

Contact us or your local OASE partner. Together, we develop solutions that restore balance, strengthen ecosystems and deliver visible, lasting results.

Project fact sheet

Project nameWastewater Treatment Plant Lahntal
CountryGermany
City/region/areaLahntal
Waterbody typePolishing pond
Usage and sizeWastewater treatment plant; pond size: 1 ha
ChallengeExcessive sludge accumulation and algae growth
Product usedSchlixX Plus
Application Period & MethodIn July 2024, approx. 1,050 kg of SchlixX Plus was applied using an amphibious vehicle
Result of the application

Approval to open the entire lake by the local health authority on 2 August 2022 

  • Reduction of sludge volume by 600 m³
  • Reduction of average sediment depth by 4 cm
  • The gravel layer at the bottom is visible again
  • Reduction of organic fraction in sediment by 8.4%