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Optimal process configuration for anaerobic digestion with ozonation
1Kurita Water Industries, Research and Development Center, 7-1, Wakamiya, Morinosato, Atsugi, Kanagawa 243-0124, Japan.
Summary
Ozone treatment combined with anaerobic digestion significantly reduces excess sludge production. This study explores two configurations, showing improved volatile suspended solids reduction and potential for sludge minimization.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Engineering
- Biotechnology
- Wastewater Treatment
Background:
- Sludge disposal faces strict regulations, making economical sludge minimization crucial.
- Oxidative ozone treatment offers a potential method to enhance anaerobic sludge digestion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate two process configurations combining ozone treatment and anaerobic digestion for excess sludge minimization.
- To assess the impact of ozone dosage and system parameters on sludge reduction and methane production.
Main Methods:
- Two configurations were tested: ozone pretreatment with chemostat anaerobic digestion, and ozone pre/post-treatment with a no-solid-removal anaerobic digester.
- Sludge solubilization, volatile total solids (TVS) reduction, and methane recovery were measured at varying ozone doses and solids retention times (SRT).
Main Results:
- Ozone pretreatment solubilized 19-37% of solids, increasing TVS degradation efficiency to 59% at 0.05 gO3/gTS, compared to 31% for control.
- A process with post-ozonation achieved up to 85% TVS removal, but led to high accumulated solids (28-30 g/l).
- Specific methane recovery was approximately 0.36 lCH4/gTVS fed.
Conclusions:
- Ozone treatment is effective in enhancing anaerobic digestion for sludge reduction.
- Configuration choice depends on balancing sludge minimization goals with operational considerations like solids accumulation.