Feasibility of Recycling Residual Solid from Hydrothermal Treatment of Excess Sludge

Residual solid in excess sludge treated by hydrothermal reaction was investigated as raw material for its recycling. Treated excess sludge and residual solid were also focused on their content change during hydrothermal reaction. Two kinds of excess sludge, obtained from a local food factory and a municipal wastewater treatment process, were tested under various conditions. Following hydrothermal reaction, depending on the reaction conditions, biodegradable substrates in treated excess sludge appeared to increase. The separated residual solid was a composite composed of organic and inorganic materials. The proportion of carbon varied from 34.0 to 41.6% depending on reaction conditions. Although 1.89% of hazardous materials were detected, SiO2 (Quartz) was a predominant constituent of the residual solid. X-ray diffraction (XRD) experiments revealed that the residual solid was of a partially amorphous state, suggesting that the residual solids could be easily converted to stable and non harmful substances through a stabilization process. Thus, this technology could be successfully used to control excess sludge and its reuse.