A comprehensive study on simultaneous enhancement of sludge dewaterability and elimination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons by Fe catalyzing O process.

Simultaneous removal of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the process of enhancement of sludge dewaterability via oxidation of hydroxyl radicals (•OH) and flocculation of Fe by Fe-catalyzing O were investigated as a novel research focus. The results showed that capillary suction time (CST) and water content of dewatered sludge cake (Wc) were reduced from 57.9 s and 85.1% to 13.6 s and 69.65% under the optimum usage of 60 mg/g dry solids (DS) O and 80 mg/g DS FeSO, respectively. The relevant dewatering mechanism of Fe-catalyzing O treatment was elucidated. It was found that extracellular polymeric substances-bound (EPS-bound) and intracellular water was dramatically released through destroying sludge cells and EPS gel-like structure by produced •OH. In addition, the results of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and C NMR spectroscopy revealed that •OH oxidized and mineralized hydrophilic organic matters intensifying hydrophobicity of sludge surface. Moreover, Fe generated by oxidation of Fe agglomerated fragmented fine particles into large aggregates and decreased exposure of hydrophilic sites by neutralizing negative charge, which promoted water-solids separation. Meanwhile, sludge surface roughness was decreased which was determined by material type upright confocal laser microscope (CLM). As a consequence, •OH and Fe were mainly responsible for enhancement of sludge dewaterability. Moreover, more than 40% of removal rate of PAHs was accomplished by Fe-catalyzed O treatment mitigating the environmental risks of PAHs spread.