Ultrahigh pressure filtration dewatering of municipal sludge conditioned by steel slag in combination with Fe2+/ sodium persulfate

Municipal sludge treatment in urban contexts faces significant challenges, especially when dealing with sludge characterized by exceptionally high water content and organic content. This study investigates the application of sodium persulfate oxidation activated by ferrous ions (Fe2+/SPS) in conjunction with waste steel slag as a conditioning agent for municipal sludge, capillary suction time and specific resistance filtration experiments were conducted on conditioned sewage sludge, along with dewatering tests under ultrahigh pressure conditions. Additionally, to investigate the potential underlying mechanisms, Scanning Electron Microscopy analysis, Zeta potential measurements, and comprehensive sample analyses were performed. The research reveals substantial improvements in sludge dewatering performance when steel slag is combined with Fe2+/SPS treatment. This combined treatment introduces additional ferrous ions into the sludge, generating radicals that disrupt the structure of extracellular polymeric substances and cells within the sludge. Steel slag also acts as a skeleton builder material, creating larger drainage pathways within the sludge cake under ultrahigh pressure, enhancing permeability, and accelerating moisture release. This combined treatment method holds promise for achieving deep sludge dewatering, under ultrahigh filtration pressure, with water content reduced to below 40%. The study not only highlights the advantages of using steel slag in combination with Fe2+/SPS treatment for sludge dewatering but also provides insights into the underlying mechanisms. This comprehensive treatment method reduces the excessive use of ferrous ions and costs while significantly enhancing dewatering performance, offering a promising solution for municipal sludge treatment and management.