Efficiency of integrated electrooxidation and anaerobic digestion of waste activated sludge

Abstract Background Most of the organic content waste activated sludge (WAS) comprises microbial cells hard to degrade, which must be pre-treated for energy recovery by anaerobic digestion (AD). Electrooxidation pre-treatment (EOP) with boron-doped diamond (BDD) electrode have been considered a promising novel technology that increase hydrolysis rate, disintegrating cell walls from WAS. Although electrochemical oxidation could efficiently solubilize substances macromolecules, limited reports are available on EOP WAS improving AD. In this endeavour, mathematical optimization study and analysis effects initial total solids concentrations [TS] current density (CD) during methane production removal chemical oxygen demand (COD) volatile (VS) were investigated. Because biogas production, it is not well understood; however, has started attract interest scientists engineers. Results present work, as conversion comprehensively affected CD [TS], in an integrated AD system. When working at 3% 24.1 mA/cm 2 , highest COD VS achieved, making possible obtain maximum (CH 4 ) 305 N-L/kg positive balance 1.67 kWh/kg VS. Therefore, densities used BDD adequate produce strong oxidant (hydroxyl radical, · OH) surface, allow compounds favours solubilization particulate matter Conclusions The improvement due pre-treatments, help break down faster subsequent degradation; allows decomposition reaction leads biodegrade more was positive, suggesting even without any electricity recovered increased production. It worth noting kind sufficiently studied so far. therefore important understand how operational parameters can influence performances. highlights make whole process convenient feasible.