Susceptibility of conditioned excess sewage sludge to biodegradation and dewatering

A direct effect of chemical disintegration of excess sludge is an increase in concentration of organic compounds in the sludge liquor, expressed with the levels of soluble chemical oxygen demand (SCOD) and volatile fatty acids (VFAs). The substrate used in the study was activated sludge. The aim of the study was to determine susceptibility of disintegrated excess sludge to biodegradation and dewatering. A SONICS VCX-1500 ultrasonic disintegrator with automated tune-up was used. Thermal disintegration of excess sludge was carried out in water bath with a shaker. Disintegration of excess sludge by the hybrid method was carried out as a combination of the ultrasonic and thermal methods.