Effect of anaerobic digestion and liming on plant availability of phosphorus in iron- and aluminium-precipitated sewage sludge from primary wastewater treatment plants

2017 ◽  
Vol 75 (7) ◽  
pp. 1743-1752 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emilio Alvarenga ◽  
Anne Falk Øgaard ◽  
Lasse Vråle
Keyword(s):  
Anaerobic Digestion ◽  
Sewage Sludge ◽  
Wastewater Treatment Plants ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Limited Resource ◽  
Primary Treatment ◽  
P Uptake ◽  
Lime Treatment ◽  
Plant P Uptake ◽  
P Removal

More efficient plant utilisation of the phosphorus (P) in sewage sludge is required because rock phosphate is a limited resource. To meet environmental legislation thresholds for P removal from wastewater (WW), primary treatment with iron (Fe) or aluminium (Al) coagulants is effective. There is also a growing trend for WW treatment plants (WWTPs) to be coupled to a biogas process, in order to co-generate energy. The sludge produced, when stabilised, is used as a soil amendment in many countries. This study examined the effects of anaerobic digestion (AD), with or without liming as a post-treatment, on P release from Fe- and Al-precipitated sludges originating from primary WWTPs. Plant uptake of P from Fe- and Al-precipitated sludge after lime treatment but without AD was also compared. Chemical characterisation with sequential extraction of P and a greenhouse experiment with barley (Hordeum vulgare) were performed to assess the treatment effects on plant-available P. Liming increased the P-labile fraction in all cases. Plant P uptake increased from 18.5 mg pot−1 to 53 mg P pot−1 with liming of Fe-precipitated sludge and to 35 mg P pot−1 with liming of the digestate, while it increased from 18.7 mg pot−1 to 39 and 29 mg P pot−1 for the Al-precipitated substrate and digestate, respectively. Thus, liming of untreated Fe-precipitated sludge and its digestate resulted in higher P uptake than liming its Al-precipitated counterparts. AD had a negative impact on P mobility for both sludges.

Sludge minimization by disintegration at different wastewater treatment plants

2008 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Luchien Luning ◽  
Paul Roeleveld ◽  
Victor W.M. Claessen
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matter ◽  
Wastewater Treatment ◽  
Anaerobic Digestion ◽  
Sewage Sludge ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Wastewater Treatment Plants ◽  
Treatment Plant ◽  
Biological Degradation ◽  
Ongoing Research ◽  
Sludge Minimization

In recent years new technologies have been developed to improve the biological degradation of sewage sludge by anaerobic digestion. The paper describes the results of a demonstration of ultrasonic disintegration on the Dutch Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) Land van Cuijk. The effect on the degradation of organic matter is presented, together with the effect on the dewatering characteristics. Recommendations are presented for establishing research conditions in which the effect of sludge disintegration can be determined in a more direct way that is less sensitive to changing conditions in the operation of the WWTP. These recommendations have been implemented in the ongoing research in the Netherlands supported by the National Institute for wastewater research (STOWA).

Model based evaluation of plant improvement strategies for biological nutrient removal

1999 ◽  
Vol 39 (4) ◽  
pp. 45-53 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. M. van Veldhuizen ◽  
M. C. M. van Loosdrecht ◽  
F. A. Brandse
Keyword(s):  
Activated Sludge ◽  
Wastewater Treatment Plants ◽  
P Uptake ◽  
Biological Nutrient Removal ◽  
Adequate Description ◽  
Control Scheme ◽  
Detailed Simulation ◽  
High Fraction ◽  
Biokinetic Parameters ◽  
P Removal

An activated sludge model for biological N- and P-removal was developed, which describes anoxic and aerobic P-uptake based on bacterial metabolism. This model was tested in practice on two wastewater treatment plants, which are BCFS®-processes, which contain activated sludge with a high fraction of denitrifying P-removing bacteria (DPB's). The model appeared to be able to give an adequate description of the performance of these treatment plants under different conditions. If the process parameters are well defined almost no calibration of the biokinetic parameters was necessary. In the simulation of Dalfsen wwtp, which has a complex control scheme, it was possible to give an adequate simulation of the control actions and the concentration profiles in a rather simple way, showing that detailed simulation of these controllers was not necessary. With the calibrated model it was possible to analyse bottlenecks and give suggestions for upgrading of the concerned treatments plants. The simulation results were used in decisions on investments.

scholarly journals The Energetic Aspect of Organic Wastes Addition on Sewage Sludge Anaerobic Digestion: A Laboratory Investigation

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (19) ◽  
pp. 6113
Author(s):  
Aleksandra Szaja ◽  
Agnieszka Montusiewicz ◽  
Magdalena Lebiocka
Keyword(s):  
Anaerobic Digestion ◽  
Energy Balance ◽  
Sewage Sludge ◽  
Wastewater Treatment Plants ◽  
Organic Wastes ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Anaerobic Reactors ◽  
Component Systems ◽  
Key Factor ◽  
Energetic Aspect

One of the possibilities to achieve energy neutrality of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) is the implementation of the anaerobic co-digestion strategy. However, a key factor in its successful implementation on the technical scale is the application of components with complementary composition to sewage sludge (SS). In the 7resent study, the influence of adding various co-substrates on the energy balance of anaerobic digestion was evaluated. The following organic wastes were used as additional components to SS: organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) and distillery spent wash (DW) applied in two- and three-component systems. The experiments were performed in semi-flow anaerobic reactors with the volume of 40 L under mesophilic conditions (35 °C) at hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 20, 18, and 16 d. The application of substrates to SS resulted in enhancements of methane yields as compared to SS mono-digestion. The statistically significant differences were observed in tertiary mixtures at both HRT of 18 and 16 d. Therein, average values were 0.20 and 0.23 m3 kg−1VSadd at HRT of 18 and 16 d, respectively. Among all co-digestion series, the most beneficial effect on energy balance was found in 20% v/v DW presence in both two- and three-component systems at HRT of 16 d.

scholarly journals Influence of different anoxic time exposures on active biomass, protozoa and filamentous bacteria in activated sludge

2016 ◽  
Vol 74 (3) ◽  
pp. 595-605 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Rodriguez-Perez ◽  
F. G. Fermoso ◽  
C. Arnaiz
Keyword(s):  
Wastewater Treatment ◽  
Anaerobic Digestion ◽  
Sewage Sludge ◽  
Biomass Production ◽  
Reduction Method ◽  
Wastewater Treatment Plants ◽  
Biomass Concentration ◽  
Sludge Reduction ◽  
Filamentous Bacteria ◽  
Active Biomass

Medium-sized wastewater treatment plants are considered too small to implement anaerobic digestion technologies and too large for extensive treatments. A promising option as a sewage sludge reduction method is the inclusion of anoxic time exposures. In the present study, three different anoxic time exposures of 12, 6 and 4 hours have been studied to reduce sewage sludge production. The best anoxic time exposure was observed under anoxic/oxic cycles of 6 hours, which reduced 29.63% of the biomass production compared with the oxic control conditions. The sludge under different anoxic time exposures, even with a lower active biomass concentration than the oxic control conditions, showed a much higher metabolic activity than the oxic control conditions. Microbiological results suggested that both protozoa density and abundance of filamentous bacteria decrease under anoxic time exposures compared to oxic control conditions. The anoxic time exposures 6/6 showed the highest reduction in both protozoa density, 37.5%, and abundance of filamentous bacteria, 41.1%, in comparison to the oxic control conditions. The groups of crawling ciliates, carnivorous ciliates and filamentous bacteria were highly influenced by the anoxic time exposures. Protozoa density and abundance of filamentous bacteria have been shown as promising bioindicators of biomass production reduction.

scholarly journals Coupling Hydrothermal Carbonization with Anaerobic Digestion for Sewage Sludge Treatment: Influence of HTC Liquor and Hydrochar on Biomethane Production

Energies ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (23) ◽  
pp. 6262 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roberta Ferrentino ◽  
Fabio Merzari ◽  
Luca Fiori ◽  
Gianni Andreottola
Keyword(s):  
Wastewater Treatment ◽  
Anaerobic Digestion ◽  
Sewage Sludge ◽  
Wastewater Treatment Plants ◽  
Hydrothermal Carbonization ◽  
Digested Sludge ◽  
Sludge Treatment ◽  
Secondary Sludge ◽  
Sewage Sludge Treatment ◽  
Biomethane Production

The present study addresses the coupling of hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) with anaerobic digestion (AD) in wastewater treatment plants. The improvement in biomethane production due to the recycling back to the anaerobic digester of HTC liquor and hydrochar generated from digested sludge is investigated and proved. Mixtures of different compositions of HTC liquor and hydrochar, as well as individual substrates, were tested. The biomethane yield reached 102 ± 3 mL CH4 g−1 COD when the HTC liquor was cycled back to the AD and treated together with primary and secondary sludge. Thus, the biomethane production was almost doubled compared to that of the AD of primary and secondary sludge (55 ± 20 mL CH4 g−1 COD). The benefit is even more significant when both the HTC liquor and the hydrochar were fed to the AD of primary and secondary sludge. The biomethane yield increased up to 187 ± 18 mL CH4 g−1 COD when 45% of hydrochar, with respect to the total feedstock, was added. These results highlight the improvement that the HTC process can bring to AD, enhancing biomethane production and promoting a sustainable solution for the treatment of the HTC liquor and possibly the hydrochar itself.

Acidogenic Activity: Process of Carbon Source Generation for Biological Nutrient Removal

1999 ◽  
Vol 40 (8) ◽  
pp. 25-32
Author(s):  
E. Rustrian ◽  
J. P. Delgenes ◽  
N. Bernet ◽  
R. Moletta
Keyword(s):  
Anaerobic Digestion ◽  
Carbon Source ◽  
Batch Reactor ◽  
P Uptake ◽  
Synthetic Wastewater ◽  
Biological Nutrient Removal ◽  
Methanogenic Activity ◽  
Operational Conditions ◽  
Acidogenic Reactor ◽  
P Removal

In this study, a sequencing batch reactor (SBR) connected with a two step anaerobic digestion system is proposed in order to investigate the possibility of simultaneous C, N and P removal from wastewater. The system was studied using synthetic wastewater. In this system, the effluent of nitrate from the SBR reactor is added to the acidogenic reactor influent. Nitrate elimination and VFA production are then achieved together in the acidogenic reactor. The performances of three lab-scale reactors, operated for C, N and P biological removal are analyzed. The removals of TOC, TN and TP-PO4 were greater than 96%, 75% and 86%, respectively. The results show that the combination of anaerobic digestion in two step-SBR treatment is effective for simultaneous C, N and P removal. The benefits from this process are the saving of carbon source for denitrification and phosphorus removal. Reactor arrangement made possible the existence of zones where the different bacterial populations involved could coexist. Complete denitrification occurs in acidogenic reactor and hence the methanogenic activity is not reduced nor inhibited by N-NO3 presence, allowing greater TOC removal. A stable P-release and P-uptake took place after coupling of the three reactors. Furthermore, a fast settling, compact sludge is generated in the SBR with the operational conditions applied.

Comparison Between Thermophilic and Mesophilic Anaerobic Digestion of Sewage Sludge Coming from Urban Wastewater Treatment Plants

1992 ◽  
Vol 26 (9-11) ◽  
pp. 2409-2412 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. Cecchi ◽  
P. Pavan ◽  
A. Musacco ◽  
J. Mata-Alvarez ◽  
C. Sans
Keyword(s):  
Anaerobic Digestion ◽  
Sewage Sludge ◽  
Wastewater Treatment Plants ◽  
Biogas Production ◽  
Feed Flow Rate ◽  
Organic Fraction ◽  
Urban Wastewater ◽  
Stability Parameters ◽  
Thermophilic Conditions ◽  
Urban Wastewater Treatment

Yields of anaerobic digestion (AD) of sewage sludge carried out at mesophilic and thermophilic conditions at the optimum hydraulic retention times (HRT) found for the semi-dry AD of the mechanically selected organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) (15 and 12 days, respectively) are compared. Due to the characteristics of the sludge used in thermophilic conditions (partially stabilized) the specific biogas production was lower. However, stability parameters show a secure process. Based on experience gained digesting OFMSW and hypothesizing a similar ratio between yields at mesophilic and thermophilic conditions, an economic analysis has been carried out. It shows that the increased biogas production is large enough to compensate the additional consumption to heat the feed flow rate to 55°C instead to 35°C.

scholarly journals Management of sewage sludge energy use with the application of bi-functional bioreactor as an element of pure production in industry

2019 ◽  
Vol 123 ◽  
pp. 01016
Author(s):  
Józef Ciuła ◽  
Krzysztof Gaska ◽  
Dariusz Siedlarz ◽  
Viktor Koval
Keyword(s):  
Sewage Sludge ◽  
Energy Demand ◽  
Energy Use ◽  
Land Reclamation ◽  
Wastewater Treatment Plants ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Sewage Treatment ◽  
Management Policy ◽  
Low Efficiency

The increase in sewage sludge makes it necessary to improve the direction of sewage sludge management policy and disposal, which requires a larger amount of incineration or land reclamation. It was shown that the result of methane fermentation, which is a more complex process of extracting energy contained in waste. High costs of implementation of sludge processing technology and low efficiency of sewage treatment plants in which sewage sludge is insufficient to recover energy from them, have a negative impact on the development of energy generation from sediments. The model waste system for energy is characterized, which includes two stages. The proposed solution can be applied to small wastewater treatment plants and it is justifiable to use the concept of bi-functional bioreactors in which anaerobic and aerobic processes can be carried out with much lower construction and maintenance costs. The use of bioreactors allows to exclude the energy demand needed to stabilize sewage sludge at a low cost compared to the expenditure that is currently incurred by disposal. The proposed solution works perfectly with industrial plants, due to the possibility of their creation in the time of the creation and application of a circular economy.

Integrated chemical, physical and biological processes modelling of anaerobic digestion of sewage sludge

2006 ◽  
Vol 54 (5) ◽  
pp. 109-117 ◽  
Author(s):  
S.W. Sötemann ◽  
P. van Rensburg ◽  
N.E. Ristow ◽  
M.C. Wentzel ◽  
R.E. Loewenthal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Anaerobic Digestion ◽  
Sewage Sludge ◽  
Wastewater Treatment Plants ◽  
Short Chain Fatty Acids ◽  
Weak Acid ◽  
Mass Balances ◽  
Two Phase ◽  
Anaerobic Digesters ◽  
Hydrolysis Process ◽  
Water Association

The biological kinetic processes for anaerobic digestion (AD) are integrated into a two phase subset of a three phase mixed weak acid/base chemistry kinetic model. The approach of characterising sewage sludge into carbohydrates, lipids and proteins, as is done in the International Water Association (IWA) AD model No 1 (ADM1), requires measurements that are not routinely available on sewage sludges. Instead, the sewage sludge is characterised with the COD, carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen (CHON) composition and is formulated in mole units, based on conservation of C, N, O, H and COD. The model is calibrated and validated with data from laboratory mesophilic anaerobic digesters operating from 7 to 20 d sludge age and fed a sewage primary and humus sludge mixture. These digesters yielded COD mass balances between 107–109% and N mass balances between 91–99%, and hence the experimental data is accepted as reasonable. The sewage sludge COD is found to be 32–36% unbiodegradable (depending on the kinetic formulation selected for the hydrolysis process) and to have a C3.5H7O2N0.196 composition. For the selected hydrolysis kinetics of surface mediated reaction (Contois), with a single set of kinetic and stoichiometric constants, for all retention times good correlation is obtained between predicted and measured results for: (i) COD; (ii) free and saline ammonia (FSA); (iii) short chain fatty acids (SCFA); (iv) H2CO3* alkalinity; (v) pH of the effluent stream; (vi) CO2; and (vii) CH4 gases in the gas stream. The measured composition of primary sludge from two local wastewater treatment plants ranged between C3.38H7O1.91N0.21 and C3.91H7O2.04N0.16. The predicted composition based on mass balances is therefore within 5% of the average measured composition providing persuasive validation of the model.

Enhanced biological phosphorus removal in membrane bioreactors

2002 ◽  
Vol 46 (4-5) ◽  
pp. 281-286 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Adam ◽  
R. Gnirss ◽  
B. Lesjean ◽  
H. Buisson ◽  
M. Kraume
Keyword(s):  
Phosphorus Removal ◽  
P Uptake ◽  
Membrane Bioreactors ◽  
Process Conditions ◽  
Enhanced Biological Phosphorus Removal ◽  
Biological Phosphorus Removal ◽  
Bench Scale ◽  
Plant P Uptake ◽  
Biological Phosphorus ◽  
P Removal

Enhanced biological phosphorus removal (Bio-P) in a membrane bioreactor (MBR) promises several advantages but was never attempted as not compatible with high sludge ages. This article includes description and results of bench-scale investigations on Bio-P removal in an MBR. An MBR bench-scale plant (210 L) was operated in parallel to a conventional WWTP under comparable process conditions. The results show that Bio-P removal is possible in MBR. The effluent qualities of the plants were comparable. The effluent P-concentration was always lower than 0.2 mg PT/L. In the MBR bench-scale plant P-uptake occurred mainly in the anoxic zone. Investigations with P-spiking showed higher Bio-P potential as P-removal increased up to 20-25 mg/L while P/TS rose up to >6%.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document