Six series of tests were carried out to have a better understanding of the stability and efficiency of a coagulation-flocculation process with chemical sludge recycling. The tests consisted in sequential sludge recycling in 100-L pilot reactors. Other tests were performed to examine the stability following wastewater loading variations. Results showed that stability was reached immediately during the first recycling sequences. Furthermore, to obtain improved results compared with those of a classical coagulation-flocculation process, the flocculant concentration must be increased according to the sludge recycling load. Results also revealed that recycling sludge does not absorb wastewater load variations. Consequently, the implementation of sludge recycling in a wastewater treatment plant would not cause effluent degradation or entail major changes in a normal plant operation routine. The predominant coagulation-flocculation mechanisms that explained the increase in efficiency, in comparison with the classical process, were identified as enmeshment and sweep flocculation. Finally, the recycled sludge produced were conditioned and dewatered in a fashion similar to that of a classical process.Key words: recycling, sludge, preformed flocs, coagulation-flocculation, treatment, wastewater, stability.
Optimization of wastewater treatment plant operation for greenhouse gas mitigation