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The interaction between sludge and microplastics during thermal hydrolysis of sludge
Weipeng Han1, Xiuhong Liu2, Yaxin Wang1
1National Engineering Laboratory for Advanced Municipal Wastewater Treatment and Reuse Technology, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China.
Journal of Hazardous Materials
|September 12, 2024
Summary
Thermal hydrolysis of sludge (THS) accelerates microplastic (MP) aging, increasing fragmentation and chemical changes in polyethylene and polyethylene terephthalate. This process shows promise for in-situ MP removal during wastewater treatment.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Materials Science
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Microplastics (MPs) accumulate in wastewater sludge during treatment.
- Thermal hydrolysis of sludge (THS) is a potential method to alter MP structures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of THS on the physicochemical properties and degradation of polyethylene (PE) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) MPs.
- To understand the interplay between sludge degradation and MP aging during THS.
Main Methods:
- Exposure of PE and PET MPs to THS under varying temperatures (120°C-180°C).
- Analysis of MP structural and chemical changes using techniques to assess fragmentation, oxidation, and hydrolysis.
- Monitoring of sludge filtrate for changes in organic and nitrogen content.
Main Results:
- Sludge degradation and MP aging exhibited a synergistic relationship.
- PE and PET MPs increased organic and nitrogen concentrations in sludge filtrate, enhancing organic transformation.
- MP friability increased with surface fragmentation and breakage at 120°C-180°C.
- PE and PET MPs underwent thermal oxidation and reduction reactions at 160°C and 140°C, respectively, with significant chemical structure changes.
- Hydrolysis, decomposition, and hydrothermal shear broke down polymer chains, forming various short-chain compounds.
Conclusions:
- THS significantly alters the structure of PE and PET MPs through physical and chemical degradation pathways.
- The interaction between sludge and MPs during THS promotes MP aging and transformation.
- This research offers a promising approach for the in-situ removal of microplastics within sludge treatment processes.
Keywords:
Density functional theoryDewatered sludgeMicroplasticsPhysicochemical characteristicsThermal hydrolysis of sludgeMore Related Videos
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