Abstract |
Improved dewatering of sewage sludge has been accomplished for the first time by biological means; namely, through the agency of the enzyme lysozyme acting under controlled conditions. Improved dewatering was measured by a 4 to 8-fold increase in filtration rate, which, if extrapolated to plant scale operations, should result, in a given time period, in a 2 to 3-fold increase in solids yield, thus achieving a significant cost saving. A number of other exo- and endo-enzymes were also tested for their effects on dewatering, with uncertain results. Several microorganisms were isolated that showed lysis around their colonies when they were grown on agar plates containing sludge. Of major significance is the demonstration that the relative mild conditions of a biological process permit attacking the sludge dewatering process at its source - the matrix material. (Author) |