Output details

The effect of acid pretreatment on the anaerobic digestion and dewatering of waste activated sludge

Sewage sludge is a globally significant waste resource with increasing needs for stabilization and energy recovery. The study investigated for the first time an acidification pretreatment to enhance sludge hydrolysis, a difficult substrate for AD. The ability to simultaneously increase methane and pathogen kill, and reduce dewatering polymer requirements proved advantageous. As a result, increased sludge throughput could be possible, improving plant economics. The research was funded by the EPSRC/Thames Water and is of industrial significance for water companies around the world. The study has informed 20 other research studies on biogas as well as biohydrogen bioconversions.