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Published on: October 15, 2015
Utilising laboratory experiments as a first step to introduce primary sludge hydrolysis in full-scale
K Jönsson1, A Pottier, I Dimitrova
1Water and Environmental Engineering at the Department of Chemical Engineering, Lund Institute of Technology, PO Box 124, SE-221 00 Lund, Sweden. karin.jonsson@vateknik.lth.se
Summary
Laboratory experiments show that Klagshamn wastewater treatment plant can produce high-quality soluble organic matter from sludge. This process could save 50% of the external carbon source, enhancing wastewater treatment efficiency.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Engineering
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) often require external carbon sources for effective denitrification.
- Precipitated sludge and settled influent contain organic matter that can potentially be utilized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the yield and quality of soluble chemical oxygen demand (COD) and volatile fatty acids (VFAs) from Klagshamn WWTP sludge.
- To assess the degradability of organic matter and the release of nutrients during sludge hydrolysis.
- To evaluate the potential for using the produced hydrolysate for postdenitrification.
Main Methods:
- Laboratory experiments were conducted on settled influent and preprecipitated sludge.
- Analysis of soluble COD, VFAs, ammonium, and orthophosphate release.
- Measurement of denitrification rates using the generated hydrolysate.
Main Results:
- High-quality soluble organic matter was produced from Klagshamn WWTP sludge.
- Denitrification rates of 3.1 mg NO3-N/(g VSS x h) were achieved with the hydrolysate.
- Low phosphate concentrations in the hydrolysate are suitable for postdenitrification, even with strict phosphorus limits.
Conclusions:
- Internal hydrolysis of sludge at Klagshamn WWTP can significantly reduce the need for external carbon sources by approximately 50%.
- Establishing internal hydrolysis is a viable strategy for improving the efficiency and sustainability of wastewater treatment.
- Full-scale trials were planned to implement internal hydrolysis in primary clarifiers.
