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Enhancing pulp and paper mill biosludge dewaterability using enzymes.

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Enzymes can improve biosludge dewaterability. Lysozyme enhanced sludge dewatering by improving flocculation and reducing polymer demand, offering an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic polymers.

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Area of Science:

  • Environmental Science
  • Biotechnology
  • Chemical Engineering

Background:

  • Limited research exists on enzyme applications for improving biosludge dewaterability.
  • The mechanisms behind enzyme-enhanced dewatering are not well understood.
  • Enzymes offer potential environmental benefits over synthetic polymers for biosludge conditioning.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To screen commercially available enzymes for their potential to enhance biosludge dewaterability.
  • To investigate the conditioning mechanism of enzymes in biosludge treatment.

Main Methods:

  • A screening of various commercial enzymes was performed.
  • Capillary suction time was used to assess biosludge dewaterability.
  • Cake solids content and polymer demand were measured.

Main Results:

  • Lysozyme was the only enzyme that demonstrated significant improvements in biosludge dewaterability.
  • Lysozyme reduced capillary suction time by 36% and increased cake solids from 5.6% to 8.9%.
  • Lysozyme aided in particle flocculation, reducing polymer demand from 11% to 6%.

Conclusions:

  • Lysozyme shows significant potential for enhancing biosludge dewaterability.
  • The conditioning mechanism of lysozyme appears to be similar to that of a flocculant, as both active and inactive forms showed similar effects.
  • Enzymatic treatment, specifically with lysozyme, presents a promising, eco-friendly alternative to synthetic polymers in biosludge management.