Integrating wet oxidation and struvite precipitation for sewage sludge treatment and phosphorus recovery. (20th September 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Munir, M.T.; Li, B.; Mardon, I.; Young, B.R.; Baroutian, S.
• Is Part Of: Journal of cleaner production. Volume 232(2019)
• Page Start: 1043
• Page End: 1052
• Publication Date: 2019-09-20
• Subjects: Hydrothermal treatment -- Wet oxidation -- Sewage sludge -- Struvite precipitation; Factory and trade waste -- Management -- Periodicals; Manufactures -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Déchets industriels -- Gestion -- Périodiques; Usines -- Aspect de l'environnement -- Périodiques; 628.5
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2019.06.007
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0959-6526

Abstract

Abstract: In this study, wet oxidation of sewage sludge and struvite-precipitation processes were integrated to safely manage sludge and to recover organic acids and phosphorus. To understand this process integration, the effects of temperature, treatment time, and sludge concentration during wet oxidation, and pH and magnesium dosage during struvite precipitation on total suspended solids (TSS), volatile suspended solids (VSS), organic acids production, and phosphorus recovery were investigated. The results showed that TSS and VSS destruction, organic acids production, and phosphorus recovery from sludge into the liquid phase are more sensitive to temperature and time than sludge concentration during wet oxidation. These are novel findings of this work. Furthermore, pH during struvite precipitation had a strong effect on phosphorus recovery. Wet-oxidised sludge was mainly converted to acetic acid, and its concentration increased with increasing temperature and time. These results may be used for optimised operation and revenue generation from wastewater treatment processes when integrated with wet oxidation and struvite precipitation. Graphical abstract: Image 107636 Highlights: Wet oxidation (WO) of sewage sludge and struvite-precipitation processes were integrated. Sludge was safely managed and valuables (e.g. phosphorous) were recovered. Outputs e.g. TSS, VSS, organics production, and phosphorus recovery were investigated. WO processing parameters had a stronger effect on outputs than struvite-precipitation.