Grantee Research Project Results
Influence of Biocolloids and Biocolloidal Structure on the Dewaterability of Anaerobically Digested Sludge
EPA Grant Number: R823486Title: Influence of Biocolloids and Biocolloidal Structure on the Dewaterability of Anaerobically Digested Sludge
Investigators: Darby, Jeannie L.
Current Investigators: Darby, Jeannie L. , Poxon, Theresa L. , Tsuchihashi, Ryujiro
Institution: University of California - Davis
EPA Project Officer: Aja, Hayley
Project Period: October 1, 1995 through September 1, 1997
Project Amount: $132,678
RFA: Exploratory Research - Engineering (1995) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Safer Chemicals , Land and Waste Management
Description:
This project will be carried out based on a new conceptual model of digested sludge, in which it is hypothesized that in anaerobically digested sludge, extracellular biocolloids are present in concentrations sufficient to form gel-like structures that significantly restrict water mobility within the sludge.The objectives of this project are to gain a better understanding of the influence of biocolloids and biocolloidal structure on sludge dewatering characteristics and conditioning mechanisms and to investigate the practical significance of the new conceptual model. Specific research objectives are: (1) to determine the existence and extent of biocolloidal structure in anaerobically digested sludges; (2) to define correlations between structure, particle size, and dewaterability in digested sludges under differing conditions; and (3) to determine the effect of various conditioning agents on sludge structure. The emphasis on biocolloidal structure central to this research represents a shift away from the currently accepted particle based model of sludge dewaterability.
Physical characteristics of anaerobically digested sludges from wastewater treatment plants before and after conditioning will be examined as well as the visualization of the sludges through light and scanning electron microscopy. Ammonium sulfate and ruthenium red will be used as conditioning agents.
The results of these experiments will provide evidence to test the new conceptual model as well as insights regarding mechanisms of sludge dewatering and conditioning. These results will have potential ramifications in the areas of design and operation of anaerobic digestion processes and the development of new sludge conditioning strategies. The research will be of benefit to design engineers and municipalities considering approaches to dewater digested sludge.
Publications and Presentations:
Publications have been submitted on this project: View all 2 publications for this projectJournal Articles:
Journal Articles have been submitted on this project: View all 1 journal articles for this projectSupplemental Keywords:
wastewater, municipal sludge, sludge digestion, sludge management, anaerobic digestion, sludge dewatering, sludge conditioning, Scientific Discipline, Waste, Municipal, Environmental Chemistry, Chemistry, Engineering, Environmental Engineering, particle size, municipal sludge, ammonium sulfate, sludge dewatering, anaerobic digestion, wastewater treatment plants, municipal waste, biocolloids, water mobilityProgress and Final Reports:
The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.