Enzymatic pre-treatment for enhancement of primary sludge fermentation

Abstract This research showed the interrelated impact of cellulase enzyme, temperature, and SRT on enhancement of primary and rotating belt filter (PS, RBF) sludges fermentation. SRTs of 1, 2, and 4-days were tested at 25 °C and 35 °C. Enzymatic enhancement was examined using three different doses of enzyme (i.e. 0.5%, 1%, and 1.5% of the total solids in the feed). The results showed a positive impact of enzyme dose as well as temperature and SRT on VFA and soluble COD production. For the RBF sludge, enzyme addition enhanced the VFA yield of fermentation at room temperature (25 °C) from 52–103 mgCOD/g VS to 93–188 mgCOD/g VS, as compared with increase from 78–192 to 87-202 mgCOD/gVS in PS. Intensification of the fermentation process, particularly for the cellulose-rich RBF sludge, by enzyme addition confirms process viability as an alternative to the extraneous carbon sources for biological nutrient removal in wastewater treatment plants.