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Published on: October 15, 2015
Lipid-enhancement of activated sludges obtained from conventional activated sludge and oxidation ditch processes
Emmanuel D Revellame1, Rafael Hernandez, W Todd French
1Renewable Fuels and Chemicals Laboratory, Dave C. Swalm School of Chemical Engineering, Mail Stop 9595, Mississippi State University, MS 39762, USA.
Abstract:
Lipid-enhancement of activated sludges was conducted to increase the amount of saponifiable lipids in the sludges. The sludges were obtained from a conventional activated sludge (CAS) and an oxidation ditch process (ODP). Results showed 59-222% and 150-250% increase in saponifiable lipid content of the sludges from CAS and ODP, respectively. The fatty acid methyl ester (FAMEs) obtained from triacylglycerides was 57-67% (of total FAMEs) for enhanced CAS and 55-73% for enhanced ODP, a very significant improvement from 6% to 10% (CAS) and 4% to 8% (ODP). Regardless of the source, the enhancement resulted in sludges with similar fatty acid profile indicating homogenization of the lipids in the sludges. This study provides a potential strategy to utilize existing wastewater treatment facilities as source of significant amount of lipids for biofuel applications.
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