Application of Microwave Oxidation Process for Sewage Sludge Treatment in a Continuous-Flow System
Publication: Journal of Environmental Engineering
Volume 143, Issue 9
Abstract
A pilot-scale continuous-flow 915-MHz microwave enhanced advanced oxidation () treatment system was specifically designed and used for the treatment of sewage sludge. The focus of this study was to examine the interrelationship between chemical changes and physical transformation on the treated sewage sludge, and to perform energy analysis of the treatment system. A higher temperature and/or higher hydrogen peroxide dosage resulted in higher levels of solubilized total phosphate and total Kjeldahl nitrogen, an increase in chemical oxygen demand solubilization and volatile fatty acids production, reduced total suspended solids, and improved sludge dewaterability and settleability. The results demonstrated that this treatment system was well designed and could be used for the treatment of sewage sludge effectively. The scaled-up version of this treatment system could readily be implemented for real-time application in wastewater treatment plants.
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Acknowledgments
The authors wish to acknowledge the research funding by the Natural Science and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) of Canada and the India–Canada Water for Health Collaborative Research funded by IC-IMPACTS Centres of Excellence, Canada. Technical assistance provided by Tim Ma and Paula Parkinson is recognized.
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©2017 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Mar 18, 2016
Accepted: Feb 23, 2017
Published online: May 15, 2017
Published in print: Sep 1, 2017
Discussion open until: Oct 15, 2017
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