Effect of H2O2 dose on the thermo-oxidative co-treatment with anaerobic digestion of excess municipal sludge

Thermo-oxidative treatment, applied at moderate temperatures below the boiling point of water and using hydrogen peroxide as oxidant, has been shown to enhance anaerobic digestion of excess municipal sludge. Due to the high economic impact of chemical addition on the process, a balance between process performance and economic cost has to be established. The effect of three low hydrogen peroxide dosages (0.1, 0.25 and 0.5 gH(2)O(2)/gVSS(influent)) applied at 90 degrees C was evaluated. Increases in solids destruction of 13.9, 18.9 and 25.6% with respect to a control were observed when the thermo-oxidative co-treatment was operated at 0.1, 0.25 and 0.5 gH(2)O(2)/gVSS(influent), respectively.