Performance evaluation of micro-aerobic hydrolysis of mixed sludge: Optimum aeration and effect on its biochemical methane potential. Issue 14 (5th December 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Montalvo, Silvio; Ojeda, Felipe; Huiliñir, César; Guerrero, Lorna; Borja, Rafael; Castillo, Alejandra
• Is Part Of: Journal of environmental science and health. Volume 51:Issue 14(2016)
• Page Start: 1269
• Page End: 1277
• Publication Date: 2016-12-05
• Subjects: Aerobic hydrolysis -- anaerobic digestion -- methane production -- micro-aeration -- mixed sludge; Environmental engineering -- Periodicals; Environmental sciences -- Periodicals; Ecology -- periodicals; Hazardous Substances -- periodicals; 628
• DOI: 10.1080/10934529.2016.1215195
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1093-4529

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This study evaluated the performance of a micro-aerobic hydrolysis of mixed sludge and its influence as a pretreatment of this waste for its subsequent anaerobic digestion. Three experimental series were carried out to evaluate the optimum micro-aeration levels in the range from 0.1 to 0.5 air volume/min.reactor volume (vvm) and operation times within the range of 24–60 h. The maximum methane yield [35 mL CH4 /g volatile suspended solids (VSS) added] was obtained for an aeration level of 0.35 vvm. This methane yield value increased 114% with respect to that obtained with the non-aerated sludge. In the micro-aeration process carried out at an aeration level of 0.35 vvm, increases in soluble proteins and total sugars concentrations of 185% and 192% with respect to their initial values were found, respectively, after 48 h of aeration. At the above micro-aerobic conditions, soluble chemical oxygen demand (CODS ) augmented 150%, whereas VSS content decreased until 40% of their initial respective values. Higher COD increases and VSS decreases were found at 60 h of micro-aeration, but the above parameters did not vary significantly with respect to the values found at 48 h.