Effect of Silicates on Methane Digestion of Sewage Sludge

Effect of clinoptylolite and bentonite admixture on balance of ammonium nitrogen and phosphates in reject water during methane digestion of excess sludge was evaluated. Concentration of ammonium nitrogen and phosphates in reject water separated from the sludge with silicates amendment and without it (control sludge) was analysed to compare the effectiveness of biogenic compounds removal. Simultaneously effect of silicates addition on biogas production and fractions of phosphorus was analysed. Doses of silicates at level no higher than used in wastewater treatment by activated sludge process were added to methane digestion chamber. The doses were equal to 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 g · L –1. Research work was conducted under laboratory conditions for 21 days. Admixture of silicates did not decrease concentration of ammonium nitrogen in reject water but reduced phosphates content in this medium compared to control sample. Under experimental conditions clinoptylolite was more effective in biogens removal than bentonite. Increase in biogas production was especially visible during days from 1 to 16; after that time it decreased in samples with silicates more rapidly than in control reactor. However silicates admixture increased total biogas production by maximum 17% compared to control sample. Clinoptylolite and bentonite admixture increased percent shares of phosphorus associated with carbonates in sewage sludge. Increase in II-nd fraction share was proportional to the dose of silicates. In control sample the dominant fraction of phosphorus in sewage sludge was the III-rd; in samples with silicate admixture percent shares of II-nd nad III-rd fractions were comparable. The conclusion from the research work is as follows: at doses used in wastewater treatment technology to support activated sludge process silicates do not affect the composition of reject water significantly. However addition of natural sorbents positively affected anaerobic degradation of sewage sludge.