Effect of H₂O₂Oxidation/Alkaline Hydrolysis on Waste Activated Sludge Disintegration and Dewaterability

In the present study, the effect of hydrogen peroxide oxidation/alkaline hydrolysis was investigated on waste activated sludge (WAS), to enhance its disintegration and dewaterability. The effects of three operating parameters viz., pH, H₂O₂dose and reaction time, on the degree of WAS disintegration and dewaterability were assessed using response surface methodology. The optimum operating variables to achieve VSS removal 20%, CST reduction 20%, sCOD 6100 mg/L and EPS 455 mg/L were: pH 10.5, 1300 g H₂O₂/kg TS and 40 min reaction time. Results showed that WAS can be efficiently disintegrated and dewatered by H2O2 oxidation/alkaline hydrolysis for subsequent biological digestion.