Application of Microwave Oxidation Process for Sewage Sludge Treatment in a Continuous-Flow System

A pilot-scale continuous-flow 915-MHz microwave enhanced advanced oxidation (MW/H2O2-AOP) treatment system was specifically designed and used for the treatment of sewage sludge. The focus of this study was to examine the interrelationship between chemical changes and physical transformation on the treated sewage sludge, and to perform energy analysis of the treatment system. A higher temperature and/or higher hydrogen peroxide dosage resulted in higher levels of solubilized total phosphate and total Kjeldahl nitrogen, an increase in chemical oxygen demand solubilization and volatile fatty acids production, reduced total suspended solids, and improved sludge dewaterability and settleability. The results demonstrated that this treatment system was well designed and could be used for the treatment of sewage sludge effectively. The scaled-up version of this MW/H2O2-AOP treatment system could readily be implemented for real-time application in wastewater treatment plants. (C) 2017 American Society of Civil Engineers.