Skip to main navigation Skip to search Skip to main content

"Weak" ultrasonic pre-treatment on anaerobic digestion of flocculated activated biosolids

  • C. P. Chu
  • , D. J. Lee
  • , Bea-Ven Chang
  • , C. S. You
  • , J. H. Tay

Research output: Journal Publications and ReviewsRGC 21 - Publication in refereed journalpeer-review

Abstract

This study examined how "weak" ultrasonic pre-treatment affects anaerobic digestion of waste biosolids, treated with a cationic polyelectrolyte flocculant. In relation to pre-treatment, the term "weak" used refers to the fact that the total ultrasonic energy input to biosolids is insufficient to fully disrupt its floc structure or the cell walls, as described in the literature. Methane production potential, floc characteristics (size, morphology and ζ-potential) and process parameters (chemical oxygen demands and oxidative-reductive potentials) were monitored, as the digestion was tested. The presence of polyelectrolyte flocculants enhanced methane production within 6 days of digestion (phase I), but inhibited the digestion thereafter (phase II). Following pre-treatment by sonication (0.33W/mL, 20min), the methane productions of both original and flocculated biosolids significantly increased. The underlying mechanisms of weak ultrasonic pre-treatment are discussed. © 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2681-2688
JournalWater Research
Volume36
Issue number11
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2002
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

Publication details (e.g. title, author(s), publication statuses and dates) are captured on an “AS IS” and “AS AVAILABLE” basis at the time of record harvesting from the data source. Suggestions for further amendments or supplementary information can be sent to [email protected].

Research Keywords

  • Anaerobic digestion
  • Floc characteristics
  • Methane production
  • Sonication

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of '"Weak" ultrasonic pre-treatment on anaerobic digestion of flocculated activated biosolids'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this