Behaviour of Mechanically Blended Return-Sludge in Absence of Substrate
Abstract Nine sets of batch experiments, each of ten to twelve days duration, were conducted in the laboratory on return-sludge samples collected from activated sludge treatment plant at Windsor. The thickened sludge samples were blended daily in a waring blender and were continuously aerated in twelve-litres capacity jars. Parallel runs were made on control sludge samples which were not blended. Amongst the parameters varied were the speed and frequency of blending and the aeration rate. The effects of these variables on progressive bio-degradation of volatile suspended solids and the settling characteristics of the sludge were determined. Blended sludge showed significant improvement in the rate of bio-degradation and its settling characteristics as compared to the control unblended sludge