Capillary Suction Time Research Articles

The novel application of type II deep eutectic solvents (DES) for sludge dewatering

Dewatering is a necessary step before the treatment and disposal of waste activated sludge, which also presents a huge challenge for the high-affinity binding between sludge and water. Hence, the aim of this paper is to introduce a new green and cheap deep eutectic solvent (DES) as a conditioner for waste activated sludge. A type II deep DES, which composed of choline chloride (ChCl) and CuCl2·2H2O, was creatively proposed to intensify the dewatering performance of sludge. We mainly focused on the effects of DES dosages and processing temperatures on the physicochemical properties of sludge. The results showed that DES has a considerable promotion on sludge dewaterability, and it also showed good correlations between DES dosage and capillary suction time (CST), zeta potential, soluble chemical oxygen demand (SCOD), and pH. The mechanisms of intensified dewatering performance can be explained by two aspects. One was that DES disrupted the extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) structures and disassociated the hydrophilic biopolymers (proteins and polysaccharides) from sludge. The other was that DES neutralized the surface negative charges of sludge and thus destabilized the flocs, which act as a coagulant. This study would broaden the application scope of DES, and may bring new insights to the field of sludge treatment.

Impact of hydrophilic functional groups of macromolecular organic fractions on food waste digestate dewaterability

：Deterioration of dewaterability is one of challenges faced by anaerobic digestion (AD) of food waste (FW). The underlying mechanism of the effect of AD on digestate dewaterability remains unclear. Thus, the effect of hydrophilic functional groups of macromolecular organic on FW digestate dewaterability in different stages during AD was studied. Results showed that the dewaterability first improved at the acidification stage, and then worsened at the gasification and stabilization stages. The correlations between normalized capillary suction time (NCST), bound moisture (BM) and extracellular protein (extra-PN) were significant (R = 0.736, p < 0.05, R = 0.637, p < 0.05). Macromolecular extra-PN that enhance the bonding between organic fractions and moisture via peptide bonds. In addition, carbonyl, phenolic and amide groups increased after AD, resulting in the enhancement of the digestate hydrophilicity. Furthermore, the evolution of microbial community during AD resulting in the wrapping of BM by increased organic fractions. Therefore, higher organic fractions with hydrophilic functional groups in digestate strongly hinder moisture removal. The findings obtained deepen our understanding of hydrophilic functional groups of macromolecular organic affecting FW digestate dewaterability and provide strong supports to treatment and disposal of FW digestate.

Improved Dewaterability of Waste Activated Sludge by Fe(II)-Activated Potassium Periodate Oxidation.

Fe(II)-activated potassium periodate (KIO4) oxidation was used to improve the dewaterability of waste-activated sludge for the first time. Compared with those of raw sludge, the capillary suction time (CST), specific resistance filtration (SRF), and water content of filter cake (WC) of sludge treated using the Fe(II)/KIO4 process under the optimal conditions (i.e., the initial pH = 6.8, KIO4 dose = 1.4 mmol/g volatile suspended solids, Fe(II)/KIO4 molar ratio = 1.2) decreased by 64.34%, 84.13%, and 6.69%, respectively. For conditioned sludge flocs, the Zeta potential and particle size were increased, and hydrophilic proteins in extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) were partly degraded, accompanied by the transformation of tightly bound EPS into soluble EPS and the conversion of dense sludge flocs into loose and porous ones. During Fe(II)/KIO4 oxidation, Fe(IV) and the accompanying •OH were determined as the predominant reactive species and the underlying mechanism of sludge EPS degradation was proposed. This work provides a prospective method for conditioning the sludge dewaterability.

Determining the performance of lignin-based flocculants in improving biosludge dewaterability

In the wastewater treatment plant of pulp and paper mills, biosludge dewatering is needed to reduce the sludge handling and disposal costs. It is usually facilitated by means of the addition of synthetic polymers. There is increasing interest in replacing synthetic polymers with biopolymers derived from low value by-products or industrial residuals to improve the environmental footprint of dewatering. In this study, lignin-based flocculants (LBF) were tested for their ability to improve the biosludge dewaterability based on Capillary Suction Time (CST) and dry cake solids achieved with a Crown Press. The results demonstrate that LBFs alone can significantly enhance dewatering with a decrease in CSTs from 72.7 ± 5.1 s (unconditioned biosludge) to 23.3 ± 0.4 s and an increase in dry cake solids after pressing from 7.1 ± 0.5% to 13.9 ± 1.3% with a relatively high dosage of 7.5% w/w. However, with dual conditioning a LBF and 0.1% w/w anionic polyacrylamide (APAM), the required dosage of LBF was reduced to 3% w/w to achieve a dry cake solids content of 13.8 ± 0.4%, the same as that achieved with Zetag8165, a commercial synthetic polymer. LBF addition lowered the particle surface charge, allowing the particles to agglomerate and enhancing for the biosludge dewaterability. The application of LBFs for sludge dewatering offers novel considerable promise for providing more sustainable approaches by optimizing the use of lignin from different extraction processes, applying various types of lignin modifications in combination with anionic polymers, and exploring different methods of disposal or utilization of the dewatered sludge.

Experimental study on characteristics and mechanisms of matrix pressure transmission near the fracture surface during post-fracturing shut-in in tight oil reservoirs

Tight oil reservoirs are usually exploited using the long horizontal well and multi-stage hydraulic fracturing technique. Meanwhile, post-fracturing shut-in has become a popular procedure in improving the performance of tight reservoir wells. However, field data indicate that there are significant differences in well production due to shut-in operation in various blocks. The matrix pressure transmission near the fracture surface plays an essential role. Up to now, the characteristics and mechanisms of pressure transmission are still unclear. In this study, we conducted the pressure transmission experiment and matrix water uptake testing. Besides, X-ray diffraction (XRD), capillary suction time (CST), cast thin section observing, and mercury intrusion testing were performed. A characterization method was established to analyze the characteristics and influential factors of pressure transmission in tight oil reservoirs. The mechanism of pressure transmission and the relationship between pressure balance time and injection depth were discussed. The results show that the pressure transmission efficiency (PTE) reduces spontaneously as the initial water saturation in pores decreases. The clay expands after absorbing water and then the particles are dispersed, which damages the pore structure and reduces the PTE. The PTE decreases with the high content of clay minerals, especially the great proportion of expansive clay minerals. The PTE increases with the growing of the permeability and the capillary radius in some situations. The junction of conglomerate complex and gravel easily break up to form micro-fractures, which improves the PTE significantly. The mechanisms of pressure transmission include injection pressure, capillary force, and chemical osmotic pressure. These mechanisms of pressure transmission will be different at each stage and various situation. The time of pressure transmission increases with the large injection depth. This study helps to reveal the characteristics and mechanisms of matrix pressure transmission near the fracture surface during the post-fracturing shut-in and provides guidance for the optimization of the shut-in schedule.

Enhanced sludge dewaterability by ferrate/ferric chloride: The key role of Fe(IV) on the changes of EPS properties

The complex characteristics of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) seriously affect the improvement of sludge dewaterability. Ferrate (Fe(VI))/ferric chloride (Fe(III)) was applied through its strong oxidability to effectively enhance sludge dewaterablity by changing the properties of EPS in this study. Results confirmed that water content (WC), specific resistance to filtration (SRF) and capillary suction time (CST) fell from 82.8 %, 9.3 × 1010 s2/g and 35.1 s to 76.1 %, 2.6 × 1010 s2/g and 16.2 s, respectively, when adding 12 mg Fe(VI)/g VSS and 12 mg Fe(III)/g VSS with the dosing interval of 5 min. Investigations of the mechanism strongly suggested that Fe(VI) was successfully catalyzed by Fe(III), promoting the generation of methyl phenyl sulfone (PMSO2) and facilitating the electron transfer, with Fe(IV) having the major role in the oxidation process. Furthermore, sludge water-holding capacity and hydrophilicity waned after oxidation due to the destruction of EPS structure, which promoted the decrement of bound water to enhance the discharge of sludge water, so as to improve the efficiency of dewatering.

Enhanced dewaterability of anaerobically fermented sludge through acid-driven indigenous enzymatic hydrolysis

The poor dewaterability of fermented sludge is an important factor limiting the development of anaerobic fermentation applications. Herein we reported an efficient strategy, i.e., using acidic regulation to stimulate the release of indigenous enzymes, to enhance the hydrolysis and dewatering of fermented sludge. The results showed that after acidic regulation at pH 4.0 for 1 day, the activity of protease and α-glucosidase were improved by 131.4% and 146.0%, while the capillary suction time and specific resistance to filtration were decreased by 93.8% and 69.5%, respectively. Mechanism study revealed that the method firstly destroyed the slime and bound EPS and cells of fermented sludge, causing the release of indigenous enzymes (i.e., protease and α-glucosidase) contained in. Then, the released enzymes directly accelerated the hydrolysis and acidification of fragmentized extracellular polymeric substances, thereby benefited the release of bound water in sludge particles. Finally, such acidic condition decreased the electrostatic repulsive interactions between destroyed sludge particles, further improving their flocculation. The findings not only deepen the understanding of indigenous enzymes contained in fermented sludge affecting sludge dewatering, but also might guide engineers to develop promising strategies to facilitate fermented sludge dewatering and fermentation liquid recovery in the future.

Improving sludge dewaterability by free nitrous acid and lysozyme pretreatment: Performances and mechanisms

Reducing the water content of waste activated sludge (WAS) is critical for sludge treatment and disposal in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). In this study, a new combined conditioning processes by using lysozyme (LZM) and free nitrous acid (FNA) were proposed and demonstrated to enhance the dewaterability of WAS. The water content of sludge cake dropped from 82.82 % to 68.42 % (1 h FNA treatment + 1 h LZM treatment) and 69.52 % (6 h FNA treatment + 1 h LZM treatment) with the combined FNA and LZM treatment; and the corresponding capillary suction time (CST) reduction efficiency increased 49.29 % (1 h FNA treatment + 1 h LZM treatment) and 52.98 % (6 h FNA treatment + 1 h LZM treatment). A comprehensive investigation conducted in this study revealed the underlying mechanism of dewaterability improvement lies in the transformations of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). The combined conditioning led to enhanced hydrophobicity in the sludge, as suggested by FTIR protein secondary structure and interfacial free energy. The reduced zeta potential and the potential barrier indicated the reduction of the repulsive force of sludge particles and the bound water content in the conditioned floc. The hydrophobicity, flow permeability and flocculability were enhanced after combined treatment, leading to the release of bound water.

A novel pre-magnetized ZVI/PS pretreatment for improving sludge dewaterability: The role of EPS fractions.

The dewaterability of waste-activated sludge (WAS) has been extensively examined using zero-valent iron (ZVI)-based advanced oxidation processes (AOPs). However, the high dosage and low utilization efficiencies of ZVI cast doubt on the dependability and viability of ZVI-based AOPs. In this study, we successfully demonstrated pre-magnetization as an efficient, chemical-free, and ecological method for improving the efficiency of sludge dewatering by ZVI/persulfate (PS) process, in which the reduction ratios of capillary suction time (CST) and specific resistance to filtration (SRF) increased by 8.67% and 11.06% under optimal conditions, respectively. The highly active Fe2+ released during ZVI corrosion may be more essential than ZVI itself during PS activation, which could be strengthened by pre-magnetization. Both homogeneous and heterogeneous Fe2+ could react with PS to produce aqueous hydroxyl radicals (∙OH) and sulfate radicals (SO4-∙) as well as surface-bound ∙OH and SO4-∙, further decomposing bound-extracellular polymeric substances fractions, broking hydrophilic functional groups and compounds, altering protein secondary structure to expose more hydrophobic sites, and releasing abundant EPS-bound water. Due to the protection of tightly-bound extracellular polymeric substances (TB-EPS) and the competitive oxidation of organics released during the early disintegration stage, radical oxidation primarily occurs at extracellular levels, releasing a bit of intracellular water. Besides, polysaccharides in TB-EPS may function a more significant role in flocculation than proteins, and a porous structure favorable to drainage will be formed after the pre-magnetized ZVI/PS treatment. The cost-benefit analysis further reveals that the Pre-ZVI/PS process presents high reusability and utilization, making it potential for particle application in sludge dewatering.

Enhancing the dewaterability of waste activated sludge by the combined ascorbic acid and zero-valent iron/persulfate system.

In this work, a reducing/chelating agent, ascorbic acid (H2A) was introduced to the traditional zero-valent iron (Fe0)/persulfate (PS) process for waste activated sludge dewatering. The experimental data indicated that H2A-Fe0/PS process significantly enhanced the dewatering performance of sludge and enhanced the oxidation efficiency of Fe0-PS treatment. Under optimal conditions, the capillary suction time ratio before and after treatment (CST0/CST) of H2A-Fe0/PS treated sludge increased by 118% and 31.3% compared with untreated sludge and Fe0-PS treated sludge, respectively. The mechanism investigations revealed that the H2A-Fe0/PS induced excellent enhancement for sludge dewaterability could be credited to the reduction and chelating capacity of ascorbic acid. Free radicals including SO4•-, O2•- and •OH produced in the H2A-Fe0/PS process destroyed proteinaceous components and humic substances in sludge extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), thus reducing the negative charge and water holding capacity of sludge, improving the sludge rheological properties. As a result, the dewatering performance of sludge has been significantly improved.

Simultaneously Enhanced Dewaterability and Biopolymer Release of Sludge by Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents: Performance, Mechanisms, and Insights of Theoretical Calculations

The dewatering and resource recovery of waste-activated sludge (WAS) seemed to be two contradictory processes due to the high moisture content induced by the extracellular polymer substances, which mainly consist of proteins and polysaccharides. Natural deep eutectic solvents (NADESs) were proposed to synergistically enhance dewaterability and biopolymer release of WAS. It showed that NADES with low-temperature pretreatment can significantly improve the dewaterability and release of valuable resources. With the addition of 1.0 mL of NADES combined with 60 °C thermal treatment for 120 min, the capillary suction time (CST) of sludge significantly decreased from 75.9 ± 7.5 to 30.5 ± 1.6 s, and 11.83 mg/L of the total amino acids (AAs) was obtained. The protein and polysaccharide contents were increased to 876.48 and 213.42 mg/L, respectively. This study indicated that NADES combined with low-temperature pretreatment is a green, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly method to improve sludge dewaterability and resource recovery simultaneously. The theoretical calculation results suggested that the generation of NADES···AAs aggregates is an exothermic reaction and proceeds nonspontaneously. A good correlation is also found between the theoretically calculated free-energy change and the concentrations of AAs. On the basis of this study, the biopolymers from WAS can be recovered as value-added resources, enabling a recycling concept within the circular economy vision. The theoretical calculation can be used to guide future experiments for screening highly selective and effective NADES toward resource recovery from WAS.

Chemicals and Fuels from Biomass via Fischer–Tropsch Synthesis: A Route to Sustainability

This unique study combined the lab and full scales to investigate how the anaerobic digestion process of sewage sludge was affected by a temperature change within the lower mesophilic temperature range (32–37.5 °C). Both scientific methane potential experiments and dewaterability studies were made to be used in changes of the operational conditions for a full-scale wastewater treatment plant. The aim of this study was to reduce anaerobic digestions heat consumption by altering the operational mesophilic temperature in first lab-scale experiments and then in continuation to full-scale conditions. The results of the study suggest that it is possible to save approximately 13% in heat energy demand each year by reducing the temperature for anaerobic digestion by 2.5 °C. At the lab scale, the effect of temperature on biogas production was tested in a batch experiment by measuring the biochemical methane production. At 32 °C, the production of biogas decreased by 11% compared to that at 37.5 °C. No significant difference was observed between 37.5 °C and 34.5 °C. The effect of temperature on sludge dewaterability was tested by measuring the capillary suction time, and no difference was detected between various temperatures. To confirm these results, the temperature in two full-scale digesters was gradually adjusted from 37.5 °C to 35 °C. No change was observed in biogas production, process stability, or dewaterability. The amount of heat energy that can be saved for the full-scale digesters was calculated using a heat balance. This study shows that it is possible to reduce the heat demand for AD in real applications without compromising the biogas production and process stability.

The dewatering performance and cracking-flocculation-skeleton mechanism of bioleaching-coal fly ash combined process for sewage sludge

High water content in sludge will affect the transportation and subsequent disposal of sludge. Bioleaching is a biological sludge conditioning technology, which can effectively improve the dewatering performance of sludge and reduce the content of heavy metals in sludge. Coal fly ash, as a skeleton builder, can also improve the dewatering performance of sludge. In this study, bioleaching combined with coal fly ash (BL-CFA) process was employed to improve sludge dewatering performance. Based on the results of response surface methodology (RSM), the capillary suction time (CST) and water content (WC) of sludge decreased by 52.27% and 38.92%, respectively. The dewatering effect of BL-CFA is superior compared with single process. For extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), the content of protein and polysaccharide in tightly and loosely EPS (TB-EPS and LB-EPS) of sludge decreased after BL-CFA process, while that in soluble EPS (S-EPS) increased. Three-dimensional fluorescence indicated that the weakened fluorescent areas of proteinoid and soluble microbial by-product-like (SMP) organic in LB-EPS and TB-EPS, which is beneficial to the improvement of sludge dewatering performance. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy showed that the polysaccharides and proteins in the sludge were cleaved and released into the supernatant after BL-CFA process. The variation of particle size revealed that flocculation occurred after adding CFA into acidified sludge, and a supporting structure was formed in the sludge with the assist of CFA through the analysis of the scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Based on the above results, a triple dehydration mechanism was proposed for BL-CFA process, namely, cracking-flocculation-skeleton construction, which endows the combined process with superior sludge dewatering effect and application potential.

Coupling sludge-based biochar and electrolysis for conditioning and dewatering of sewage sludge: Effect of char properties

The addition of sludge-based biochar during electrochemical pretreatment of sewage sludge, as an efficient hybrid technology, is potentially to be applied in sludge deep-dewatering. The chars functioned as conductors, catalysts and skeleton particles could enhance the sludge dewaterability and increase the calorific value of the dewatered sludge cake. However, the effect of synthesis conditions on the char properties and further on the dewatering performance is still unknown. Herein, the sludge-based particle electrodes (SPEs) under three main synthesis conditions, including liquid-solid ratio, pyrolysis temperature and time, were prepared. The sludge-based biochars (i.e., SPE-400, SPE-600, and SPE-800 pyrolyzed under 400, 600 and 800 °C, respectively) were characterized and utilized as three-dimensional electrodes during sludge electrolysis. The increased pyrolysis temperature (within 400–800 °C) resulted in the enrichment of metallic ions and increment of specific surface area and pore volume of SPE, which led to the increased catalysis and adsorption sites for viscous proteins (PNs). Particularly, the pores of SPE-800 provided more drainage channels as skeleton builders. Compared with raw sludge, the capillary suction time (CST) and the specific resistance of filtration (SRF) of the treated sludge with 3D-SPE-800 were reduced by 58.12% and 81.01%, respectively, but the net sludge solids yield (YN) was increased by 87.05%. The highest decrease of hydrophilic α-Helix content in PNs (from 9.93% to 7.30%) was observed when using SPE-800 as particle electrode, revealing the crucial role of char characteristics on protein reduction and subsequent dewatering enhancement. The synergistic effects of electrolysis and sludge-based biochar provided a new insight for a closed-loop pretreatment of sewage sludge in the wastewater treatment plant.

Enhancement of sludge dewaterability by electrolysis coupled with peroxymonosulfate oxidation process: Performance, mechanisms and implications

With the rapid increase in waste activated sludge (WAS), it is urgent to develop appropriate dewatering processes to diminish sludge volume and improve disposal efficiency. In this study, an advanced oxidation process using electrolysis coupled with peroxymonosulfate (E/PMS) was applied to improve the dewaterability of WAS. The results indicated that the sludge water content (WC) and capillary suction time (CST) dropped from 98.4 ± 0.2% and 220.1 ± 2.3 s to 70.7 ± 0.8% and 63.0 ± 1.2 s, respectively, under the following conditions: an electrolysis voltage of 20 V, an electrolysis time of 20 min, and 200 mg/g TS PMS. The increase in sludge zeta potential, surface hydrophobicity, and flowability indicated a significant improvement in sludge dewaterability. SO4•−, O•H, and O21 generated in the E/PMS process were responsible for the improvement of WAS dewaterability. These reactive oxygen species damaged extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), decreased fluorescent EPS components, and transformed the extracellular protein secondary structures by influencing the H-bond actions that maintain the α-helix. The bound water content, and apparent viscosity of WAS were found to be reduced, which was also attributed to an increase in dewatering capacity. Additionally, E/PMS treatment enhanced the degradation of organic matter in sludge and reduced the toxicity of the filtrate as well as the bioavailability of heavy metals. The cost analysis found that the E/PMS process was relatively economical and has great potential for practical application.

Comparative anaerobic digestion of sewage sludge at different temperatures with and without heat pre-treatment

Anaerobic digestion of sewage sludge is generally conducted under mesophilic (around 35 °C) or thermophilic (around 55 °C) conditions, whereas it is conducted at lower temperatures in some wastewater treatment plants without heating. In this study, we compared the anaerobic digestion of sewage sludge at 15, 25, 30, 35, 45, and 55 °C following hyperthermophilic pre-treatment at 80 °C for 24 h. Laboratory-scale reactors were operated continuously for more than 1000 days, and batch experiments were performed to evaluate the reaction kinetics. Biogas production rates at 15 °C with and without pre-treatment divided by that at 35 °C without pre-treatment were 0.73 and 0.78, respectively. The dewaterability of the digested sludge was evaluated by the capillary suction time (CST). The CST was approximately 50 s at 15 °C with and without pre-treatment and was slower than the CST at 35 °C. Compared to the shear rate, viscosity was higher at lower temperatures; however, it decreased with pre-treatment, which reduced the energy required for mixing in the reactors. Pre-treatment eliminated Escherichia coli from the sludge; however, E. coli (approximately 105 colony forming unit/g-total solids) was detected after digestion at temperatures ≤30 °C. Pre-treatment was also useful to replace a part of heat treatment required for digested sludge before it was used as fertilizer. Gene sequencing analyses indicated the effects of pre-treatment and digestion temperature on the microbial community in the digested sludge. Co-generation of biogas is useful to obtain both electricity and heat; however, heat from co-generation is sometimes limited. To maximize electricity recovery, the use of low temperature digesters has the potential to reduce fuel costs. The results indicate that anaerobic digestion at low temperatures with or without heat pre-treatment can be an efficient and cost-effective method of treating sewage sludge.

Improved methane production from the two-phase anaerobic digestion and dewaterability of anaerobically digested sludge by β-cyclodextrin pretreatment

Cyclodextrin-based technologies have drawn worldwide attention for wastewater and sludge treatment due to its extraordinary solubilization of hydrophobic organics. β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) has been applied for enhancing sludge solubilization for production of volatile fatty acids. However, the impact of β-CD on methane production in the anaerobic digestion seemingly was unnoticed in the past, which was likely due to its inhibition effect on the methanogenesis in single-phase digestion system. Herein, a new pretreatment strategy using β-CD was firstly explored to enhance methane yield in two-phase anaerobic digestion of waste activated sludge (WAS) and simultaneously improve anaerobically digested sludge (ADS) dewaterability. Results illustrated that the total methane yield in the two phase increased from 101.43 to 277.67 mL/g VS with β-CD level raising from 0 to 0.3 g/g TS. A better ADS dewaterability was also obtained (24.14% capillary suction time increase). Mechanism investigations suggested that WAS solubilization and acidification were significantly enhanced in the first phase (i.e., acidogenic phase), with 8.97-fold soluble chemical oxygen demand (SCOD) and 17.37-fold short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) increases. This implied that more available substrates after β-CD pretreatment could be used for methanogenesis. Further calculation indicated the utilization of β-CD was not the main reason for the enhanced methane. Model-based explorations revealed hydrolysis rate and methane potential were improved by 153.17% and 175.36% after β-CD pretreatment. The activities of enzymes associated with hydrolysis/acidification/methanogenesis in methanogenic phase were improved even if those were suppressed in acidogenic phase. Moreover, β-CD increased the abundance of key hydrolysis-acidification microbes and strengthened both the hydrogenotrophic and aceticlastic methanogenesis pathways. Finally, a “multifaceted benefits” operation concept based on β-CD treatment was proposed, providing an implication for wastewater treatment and sludge disposal.

Elucidating the role of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) in dewaterability of fecal sludge from onsite sanitation systems, and changes during anaerobic storage.

As the importance of fecal sludge management (FSM) is increasingly being realized, the need for adequately designed and functioning fecal sludge (FS) treatment plants is also increasing. Research to fill this gap is only emerging and dewatering is a key challenge for developing sustainable treatment solutions. This study evaluated the effect of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) on dewaterability of FS, and how EPS and dewaterability change during anaerobic storage (as a proxy for time in onsite containment). EPS was extracted from FS and activated sludge using Na2CO3 and sonication and added to sludge samples to determine the effect on dewaterability. The results confirmed that an increase in EPS had a direct impact of decreasing FS dewaterability (as capillary suction time). In this context, we evaluated FS degradation during anaerobic storage, the effect of anaerobic storage time on EPS, EPS fractions and particle size distribution, and the effect of variations in these factors on FS dewaterability. Variations in EPS, EPS fraction and particle size distribution during anaerobic storage were less than expected and average VS reduction of 20% was recorded over 7 weeks. Although anaerobic digestion was verified (biogas production), the results indicate that kinetics of degradation of FS is different from wastewater sludges. Comparatively, EPS fractions in FS were 70 – 75% lower and with higher fractions of humic-like substances than wastewater sludges. Although EPS significantly affects FS dewaterability, anaerobic storage time is not a predictor of dewaterability.

Electrochemically driven Fe0-activated sulfite oxidation for enhancing sludge dewaterability

Sulfate radical (SO4·-)-based advanced oxidation processes (SR-AOPs) are promising for sludge dewatering. In this work, an electrochemically driven Fe0-activated sulfite system (E/Fe/sulfite) was developed and demonstrated for sustainably releasing Fe2+ to activate sulfite for dewatering waste activated sludge. Under the optimal conditions (sulfite dosage = 40 mg/g dry solids, current density = 30 mA/cm2, pH = 6, and time = 60 min), the reduction of capillary suction time and water content of sludge cake were 87.9 ± 2.8 % and 73.1 ± 0.8 %, respectively. The improved dewatering performance was attributed to the degradation of tightly-bound extracellular polymeric substances, along with the decreased live/dead cell ratio and the increased permeability of sludge flocs. The thermal effect (∼21–59 °C) in the E/Fe/sulfite system accelerated the release of intracellular proteins, which could be effectively degraded by the strong oxidizing SO4·-. The results also suggested that electrochemical oxidation and thermal effect in the E/Fe/sulfite system had a synergistic impact on improving sludge dewaterability. According to the density functional theory calculation, the hydrophobic amino acids produced from protein degradation were favorable for forming the drainage channels and enhancing sludge dewaterability. This study provides new insights for understanding the SR-AOPs and their applications to sludge treatment.

Exploring the feasibility and potential mechanism of synergistic enhancement of sludge dewaterability by ultrasonic cracking, chitosan re-flocculation and sludge-based biochar adsorption of water-holding substances

A method based on sludge-based biochar (SBB) skeleton adsorption of water-holding substances coupled with ultrasonic (US) cracking and chitosan (CTS) re-flocculation was proposed to strengthen sludge dewatering. Combined conditioning can greatly improve the sludge dewatering performance, the specific resistance to filtration (SRF), capillary suction time (CST), cake moisture content (MC) of sludge were reduced by 92.98 %, 78.46 %, 16.35 %. By analyzing the Zeta potential, relative hydrophobicity, water distribution, particle size distribution, filtrate organic matter, and extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) composition and structure of sludge, it was found that US, CTS and SBB showed significant synergistic effects. US disintegrated sludge flocs and promoted the transformation of functional groups on EPS, breaking the bond between solid and water molecules, releasing some bound water and intracellular substances, which laid the foundation for SBB to adsorb water-holding substances. CTS reconstituted flocs and crosslinked with protein (PN) to form complexes, which changed the spatial conformation of proteins. SBB adsorbs the water-holding substances such as protein and polysaccharide (PS) released in the outer EPS, promotes the dissolution of inner EPS, further promotes the denaturation and transformation of protein secondary structure, and improves the hydrophobic expression of sludge. Moreover, the combined conditioning reduces the compressibility of sludge and improves the water filtration efficiency. US+CTS+SBB is a green and promising combination technology, which has a certain reference value for sludge deep dehydration.