Effect of Thermal and Alkaline Disintegration of Excess Sludge on Biodegradation

Thermal methods of sludge disintegration can be divided into high temperature (over 100°C) and low temperature (below this temperature). They consist in the supply or removal of thermal energy, contributing to the changes in sludge structure and physicochemical properties. During the chemical disintegration of excess sludge with sodium hydroxide, there is an increase in the pH value, as well as changes in their structure. The OH- ions are highly toxic to the microorganisms living in the excess sludge and affect the decline of biological activity of most microorganisms. The aim of the conducted research was to prove the impact of the thermal and alkaline disintegration of excess sludge on the susceptibility of organic substances to biodegradation. The thermal disintegration of excess sludge was carried out in a shaking water bath, in which the sludge placed in laboratory flasks with an active volume of 0.5 L were heated for a specified period within the scope of the so-called low temperatures, i.e. 65–95 °C. The sludge was heated for a period of 0.5–12 h. The alkaline disintegration of the sludge was carried out with sodium hydroxide in the form of dust at ambient temperature, in sealed plastic bottles with an active volume of 5L, the contents of which were mixed manually every few hours. The regent doses in the range of 0.05–1.3 g NaOH/g VSS and disintegration time 12h were used. As a result of subjecting the excess sludge to disintegration by means of the selected methods, an increase in the concentration of organic substances in the dissolved form in the supernatant liquid was noted. On the basis of the increase in SCOD, TOC value and VFAs concentration, the most favorable modification conditions were determined. As a result of disintegration of the sludge and subsequent methane fermentation, the supporting effects of the applied modification methods were observed, in relation to the conventional methane fermentation of excess sludge.