Simultaneous removal of hydrogen sulfide, phosphate and emerging organic contaminants, and improvement of sludge dewaterability by oxidant dosing in sulfide-iron-laden sludge

Abstract

Liquid sludge often contains odorous and toxic hydrogen sulfide and high levels of FeII compounds (e.g., iron sulfides), due to the extensive use of iron salts for hydrogen sulfide control in sewers and for enhanced primary treatment and phosphate removal in wastewater treatment plants. We proposed and verified that dosing appropriate chemical oxidants in the sulfide-iron-laden sludge can be a simple and cost-effective strategy to remove hydrogen sulfide, phosphate, and emerging organic contaminants, and to improve sludge dewaterability simultaneously. Among the seven oxidants investigated, H2O2, ClO2 and NaClO2 were the more cost-effective oxidants than others to control hydrogen sulfide release from the liquid sludge. Dosing these three oxidants also improved sludge dewaterability and removed dissolved phosphate from the liquid sludge, with H2O2 performing the best. Hydrogen sulfide was removed via both direct oxidation by the dosed oxidants and indirect oxidation by the FeIII that was in-situ formed from oxidation of the FeII compounds in the sludge. The in-situ formed FeIII also precipitated/adsorbed the soluble phosphate into the solid form (FePO4). Fenton-like reactions occurred between H2O2 and the FeII compounds in the sludge, and hydroxyl radicals (HO•) were generated. HO• oxidized hydrogen sulfide, destructed refractory organic emerging contaminants and sludge extracellular polymeric compounds (EPSs), and improved the sludge dewaterability. The formation of HO• can be enhanced by hydrogen sulfide and the sludge EPSs present in the sludge through providing more available FeII for the Fenton-like reactions. This study demonstrates the importance of selecting and dosing suitable oxidants to the sulfide-iron-laden sludge with due consideration for the multiple benefits in engineering practices. The same principles may be also used in formulating a dual oxidant-iron strategy to treat sulfide-iron-laden sewage, sludge, and sediments for simultaneous abatement of various pollutants.