Influence of Ultrasonic Disintegration on Sludge Growth Reduction and Its Estimation by Respirometry

Excess biomass generation during wastewater treatment is a great threat to the ecology if it is not properly disposed. Sludge growth reduction is one of the best ways to alleviate the problem. The present study focused in this direction employs ultrasound to disintegrate the floc without causing cel...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Environmental science & technology 2004-11, Vol.38 (21), p.5779-5785
Main Authors: Rai, Chockalingam Lajapathi, Struenkmann, Georg, Mueller, Johannes, Rao, Paruchuri Gangadhar
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Applied sciences
Biodegradation, Environmental
Biological and medical sciences
Biological treatment of waters
Biomass
Biotechnology
Ecology
Environment and pollution
Estimating techniques
Exact sciences and technology
Flocculation
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
General purification processes
Industrial applications and implications. Economical aspects
Microscopy, Electron
Oxygen - chemistry
Physical growth
Pollution
Sewage - chemistry
Sewage - microbiology
Sludge
Ultrasonic technology
Ultrasonics
Waste disposal
Waste Disposal, Fluid - instrumentation
Waste Disposal, Fluid - methods
Wastewaters
Water Purification - instrumentation
Water Purification - methods
Water treatment
Water treatment and pollution
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Summary:Excess biomass generation during wastewater treatment is a great threat to the ecology if it is not properly disposed. Sludge growth reduction is one of the best ways to alleviate the problem. The present study focused in this direction employs ultrasound to disintegrate the floc without causing cell disruption. It has been found that a major size reduction that takes place at a lower energy input (3000 kJ/kg) and a further increase in energy input results only in minor changes. Sludge growth reduction is found to be of the order of 29% and energy efficient under flow-through conditions. The effect of disintegration is substantiated by respirometric studies, microscopic examination, degree of inactivation, and degree of COD release.
ISSN:0013-936X
1520-5851
DOI:10.1021/es049775o