Industrial sludge valorization and decontamination via lipid extraction and heavy metals removal using low-cost protic ionic liquid

Sludge is a heterogenous organic-rich matter that comprise of highly valuable biopolymers along with various contaminants including heavy metals. Sludge valorization as a renewable resource and inexpensive feedstock is key for sludge realization in circular economy context. This study presents the use of low-cost protic ionic liquid (PIL) as an integrated process medium to decontaminate heavy metal contaminated industrial sludge while selectively extract the lipid content. The treatment process focused on the use of 1-methylimidazole chloride for its higher heavy metal extraction performance compared to other screened ionic liquids (ILs). The treatment was also able to selectively extract lipids from industrial sludge, leaving a protein/carbohydrate rich solid product. Process temperature was shown to haven key impact on the biopolymers' fractionation. Operating at temperatures above 120 degrees C resulted in higher recovery of proteins in the lipid-rich fraction, compromising the quality of the lipid stream. Variation of the PIL acid/base (a/b) ratio also had a significant impact on the deconstruction of the sludge biopolymers, with a/b ratio of 1 resulting in highest recovery of all biopolymers. Optimal water concentration as co-solvent was found at 30 wt%, with lipid recovery reaching 60% and heavy metals extraction ranging between 29 and 89%.

Automated summary

This study demonstrates the use of low-cost protic ionic liquid (PIL) as a medium for decontamination of heavy metal contaminated industrial sludge while selectively extracting lipids. Factors such as process temperature and PIL acid/base ratio have significant impacts on the fractionation of biopolymers and lipid recovery.