Evaluation of a biological wastewater treatment system combining an OSA process with ultrasound for sludge reduction

Romero-Pareja, PM; Aragon, CA; Quiroga, JM; Coello, MD

HERO ID

4734619

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

2017

Language

English

PMID

28069218

HERO ID 4734619
In Press No
Year 2017
Title Evaluation of a biological wastewater treatment system combining an OSA process with ultrasound for sludge reduction
Authors Romero-Pareja, PM; Aragon, CA; Quiroga, JM; Coello, MD
Journal Ultrasonics Sonochemistry
Volume 36
Page Numbers 336-342
Abstract Sludge production is an undesirable by-product of biological wastewater treatment. The oxic-settling-anaerobic (OSA) process constitutes one of the most promising techniques for reducing the sludge produced at the treatment plant without negative consequences for its overall performance. In the present study, the OSA process is applied in combination with ultrasound treatment, a lysis technique, in a lab-scale wastewater treatment plant to assess whether sludge reduction is enhanced as a result of mechanical treatment. Reported sludge reductions of 45.72% and 78.56% were obtained for the two regimes of combined treatment tested in this study during two respective stages: UO1 and UO2. During the UO1 stage, the general performance and nutrient removal improved, obtaining 47.28% TN removal versus 21.95% in the conventional stage. However, the performance of the system was seriously damaged during the UO2 stage. Increases in dehydrogenase and protease activities were observed during both stages. The advantages of the combined process are not necessarily economic, but operational, as US treatment acts as contributing factor in the OSA process, inducing mechanisms that lead to sludge reduction in the OSA process and improving performance parameters.
Doi 10.1016/j.ultsonch.2016.12.006
Pmid 28069218
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Is Public Yes
Language Text English