Title: Ultrasonic sludge disintegration in the presence of iron (II) as catalyst

Authors: Chockalingam Lajapathi Rai; Arumugam Sivasamy; Subramani Rekha

Addresses: Process Development and Scale-up Group, Chemical Engineering Division, Central Leather Research Institute, Adyar, Chennai 600020, India ' Process Development and Scale-up Group, Chemical Engineering Division, Central Leather Research Institute, Adyar, Chennai 600020, India ' Process Development and Scale-up Group, Chemical Engineering Division, Central Leather Research Institute, Adyar, Chennai 600020, India

Abstract: Increasing environmental awareness worldwide and subsequent regulations have led to the application of improved and novel technologies in excess sludge treatment. Sludge is the by-product of wastewater treatment plants rich in organic carbons, pathogens and metals. To enhance the ultrasonic sludge disintegration, a new method by introducing (Fe (II)) as a catalyst in the process has been explored. Studies were conducted to elucidate the parameters governing the disintegration process. The disintegration profiles show two phases, disruption of micro-organisms resulting release of organic-substances and mineralisation of dissolved organic substances. The optimal level of process parameters results in better solubilisation and mineralisation.

Keywords: ultrasonic sludge disintegration; mineralisation; protein solubilisation; wastewater treatment; microorganisms; iron.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEWM.2013.054779

International Journal of Environment and Waste Management, 2013 Vol.12 No.1, pp.65 - 76

Published online: 20 Sep 2014 *

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