Sonolysis and sonoacidification of ultrasonic disintegration of excess sludge

Abstract

The expected effect of ultrasonic disintegration of excess sludge is particle dispergation and cell lysis i.e. the elimination of sludge microorganisms and the release of the contents of dead cells into the sludge liquid which results in an increase in chemical oxygen demand. Sonolysis also formed the basis for the intensification of volatile fatty acids production during the acid fermentation of excess sludge treated ultrasonically. In this study the investigations into the direct effects of excess sludge ultrasonic treatment revealed an increase in volatile fatty acid concentration directly (without fermentation process) after the ultrasonic treatment which is closely related to sonolysis.