Ozonation of Continuous-Flow Activated Sludge for Reduction of Waste Solids

Abstract

The ultimate disposal of wastewater sludge has been, and continues to be, one of the most expensive problems faced by wastewater utilities in the United States. The objective of this research was to apply cell lysis and cryptic growth principles to activated sludge to study the applicability of ozonation to reduce the mass of secondary sludge. The study produced data and details for application of ozone to reduce secondary sludge production. The application of ozone reduced the mass of waste sludge by 30 to 50% depending on the ozonation rate and period.

Keywords:

• Ozone
• Autodigestion
• Cell Lysis
• Cryptic Growth
• Endogenous Activity
• Waste Minimization
• Waste Activated Sludge

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

The authors would like to thank Dr. Nirmalakhandan for his support and guidance through the initial phases of this research.

Notes

AEEP, Environmental Engineering Unit Operations and Unit Processes Laboratory Manual, Association of Environmental Engineering Professors, Makram T. Suidan, editor, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 4^th edition, September 1988.