[Effect of ultrasonic energy on the characteristics of waste activated sludge]

Seven ultrasonic energy levels ranging from 0 to 26 000 kJ x kg(-1) were used to disintegrate excess sludge to investigate the changes in physical characteristics. The results indicated that the ultrasonication process destroys floc structure, facilitates the transfer of matter into the aqueous phase, and breaks up cell walls, which facilitated the improvement of settleability and biodegradability. Low ultrasonic energies could improve the settleability and supernatant turbidity. When the energy of 1 000 kJ x kg(-1) was applied into the sludge, the maximal settling velocity of sludge at 45 min was increased by 18.58% and the supernatant turbidity at 24 h was decreased by 43.52%, compared to the control. However, high ultrasonic energies deteriorated the characteristics. The maximal settling velocity was reduced by 37.03% and the supernatant turbidity was increased by 10 times in comparison to the control when the energy dose of 26 000 kJ x kg(-1) was applied. With the increases in ultrasonic energies, the particle size was significantly decreased, the soluble solids increased and the floc clusters dispersed. These changes in sludge characteristics were directly dependent upon the amount of ultrasonic energy applied. Furthermore, these characteristics correlated significantly to the ultrasonic energy. 1000 kJ x kg(-1) was the optimal energy that improved the settleability and the supernatant turbidity, and that destructed the floc structure of sludge. On the other hand, particle size was an important factor affecting sludge settleability and supernatant turbidity. The optimal values led to best settleability and turbidity.