Ultrasonic disintegration effects on excess sludge with different-sized ultrasonic probes

Atay Ş., Akbal F., Özbey M.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRESS & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY, cilt.44, sa.1, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus) identifier identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 44 Sayı: 1
  • Basım Tarihi: 2025
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1002/ep.14513
  • Dergi Adı: ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRESS & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, PASCAL, Agricultural & Environmental Science Database, Applied Science & Technology Source, Aqualine, Aquatic Science & Fisheries Abstracts (ASFA), Biotechnology Research Abstracts, Chemical Abstracts Core, Compendex, Computer & Applied Sciences, Environment Index, Greenfile, INSPEC, Pollution Abstracts
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: cost analysis, excess sludge, lysis-cryptic growth, specific energy (ES), ultrasonic disintegration
  • Ondokuz Mayıs Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Ultrasonic disintegration based on lysis-cryptic growth improves sludge characteristics. Many factors affect ultrasonic disintegration of the excess sludge. This study aimed to provide better insight into ultrasonic disintegration effects on excess sludge at different energy levels, probes, and times. The results demonstrated that ultrasonic disintegration with 13 and 25 mm probes released significant amounts of chemical oxygen, and the degree of disintegration (DDCOD) significantly (p < 0.001) increased with specific energy (ES) input. The results indicated that the total coliform (TC), fecal coliform (FC), and Escherichia coli (EC) counts increased at lower energy levels and decreased at higher energy levels. Consequently, bacterial inactivation significantly (p < 0.001) increased. According to the EPA 40 CFR 503 regulation, ultrasonic disintegration based on lysis-cryptic growth produces Class B biosolid and can be recommended as a process to reduce pathogens. This study examined that the tip diameter of the probe is an important parameter for ultrasonic disintegration. At the same sonication time and amplitude, probes with smaller tip diameters produced greater cavitation density, whereas probes with larger tip diameters produced less cavitation intensity. Additionally, probes with larger tip diameters were less costly at higher ES levels so that they could be integrated into full-scale applications at higher ES levels.