Modification of activated sludge properties caused by application of continuous and intermittent current

This study investigated the impact of direct current (DC) field on the activated sludge properties for potential improvement of the biological as well as membrane treatment processes. Three mixed-liquor suspended solids (MLSS) concentrations (5,000, 10,000 and 15,000 mg/l) were subjected to current densities (CD) ranging from 5 to 50 A/m² at five electrical exposure modes (time-ON/time-OFF). The results showed that CD between 15 and 35 A/m² increased the filterability of the sludge more than 200 times when compared with the untreated reference sludge. The average removals of protein, polysaccharides and organic colloids from the sludge supernatant at this range of CD were 43%, 73% and 91%, respectively, while the average reduction of the specific resistance to filtration (SRF) was 4.8 times higher. The changes of sludge properties depended on the current density, electrical exposure mode and the MLSS concentration. At CD of 25 A/m² and MLSS below 10,000 mg/l, shorter time-OFF was needed in each electrical cycle, while more time-OFF was needed at higher MLSS concentrations. It was concluded that proper application of the DC field could improve biomass in terms of its dewaterability and the removal of SMP, which are highly correlated to membrane fouling in the submerged membrane electro-bioreactor (SMEBR).