Edmunds, S.1, Hearn, K.2, Louvel, L.1, Mottot, Y.1, Palfrey, R.2, Richmond, R.1
1Rhodia, 2WRc plc
In a previous paper1, TetrakisHydroxymethylPhosphonium Sulphate (THPS) had been identified as a potential uncoupling agent for reducing biosolids growth in wastewater treatment. The effect was first proven using the Oxitop®6 technique and subsequently chemostat reactors and synthetic sewage. Finally real sewage was used in conjunction with porous pots as a simulation of the activated sludge process. All of the laboratory work indicated that the use of THPS could indeed provide an economical solution for the reduction of excess biosolids. In all cases a reduction in sludge growth of >30% was observed. This paper describes work at pilot scale (~500L) using real municipal sewage. This work is an essential step to allow the process to progress to an industrial field trial. Experiments indicate that a reduction in sludge growth of up to 30% can be achieved. The paper reports that the process is now ready to move to field trial evaluations. KEY WORDS Biosolids, Tetrakishydroxymethylphosphonium sulphate, THPS, sludge reduction, wastewater treatment, uncoupling.
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