Application of the Hybrid Chemical-Biocatalytic Approach for Conversion of Nitrocellulose-Containing Sewage Sludge

Waste containing explosive chemicals are hazardous to the environment. We suggested and implemented a hybrid approach for destruction of nitrocellulose-containing sewage sludge (NCS) from real chemical industrial complex. Combining alkaline hydrolysis mesophilic anaerobic digestion in up-flow blanket (UASB) reactor allowed us successfully achieve balance between environmental safety economic efficiency stages treatment. After treatment waste at 50 °C with 1.5 M KOH, solid residue contained mostly just sand no nitrocellulose (NC). The liquid phase accumulated 2869 ± 24 mg N-NO2−/L 1698 51 N-NO3−/L. Bioconversion neutralized acetic acid diluted water by factor 1 L UASB ensured 99% extracting N(NO2− + NO3−) oxygen demand (COD). Further, biogas high methane content (>70%) was obtained. establishment operational regime achieved two stages. denitrification methanogenesis is aimed implementing sustainable development concept cycles. results this study significant researchers technologists interested developing processes that involve catalysis as first stage.