Effect of dewatering conditioners on phosphorus removal efficiency of sludge biochar.

Based on the best dehydration effect, this study compared the adsorption phosphorus effect of sludge biochar after sludge conditioning with FeCl3, KMnO4, and cationic polyacrylamide (CPAM). This provided insights into the effects of chemical conditioning during the sludge dewatering stage on the overall phosphate adsorption of the dewatered sludge biochar. The phosphorus adsorption mechanism of the dewatering sludge biochar was analysed by scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Under the optimal pyrolysis temperature (300°C), the phosphate adsorption capacity of FeCl3-conditioned sludge biochar (SB-FeCl3) was increased 77 times of the unconditioned sludge biochar. In different solution environments (e.g. pH and coexisting anions), Phosphate adsorption of SB-FeCl3 was srtrongest when the pH of 9 and contained CO32-. Through the analysis of surface elements and functional groups, it was explained that the phosphorus removal effect of SB-FeCl3 comes from abundant active sites containing iron. Phosphorus release occurred in sludge biochar (SB) during the study. SB-FeCl3 solved SB the release of phosphorus, and improved the adsorption capacity of phosphorus.

Connecting sources, fractions and algal availability of sediment phosphorus in shallow lakes: An approach to the criteria for sediment phosphorus concentrations.

Although point and nonpoint sources contribute roughly equal nutrient loads to lakes, their relative role in supporting algae growth has not been clarified. In this research, we have established a quantitative relationship between algae-available phosphorus (P) and P chemical fractions in sediments; the latter indicates the relative contribution of point versus nonpoint sources. Surface sediments from three large shallow lakes in eastern China, namely, the Chaohu, Taihu and Hongzehu Lakes, were sampled to assess their algae-available P and chemically extracted P fractions. The algae-available P primarily comes from iron/aluminium (hydr)oxide-bound P (Fe/Al-bound P), 45% of which is algae-available P. The ratio of Fe/Al-bound P to calcium compound-bound P (Ca-bound P) indicated the relative contribution of point to nonpoint sources, with the point sources contributing the majority of increased Fe/Al-bound P in sediments. Therefore, the reduction of point sources from urbanized areas, rather than nonpoint sources from agricultural areas that primarily contribute to the Ca-bound P fraction, should be prioritized to alleviate cyanobacterial algal blooms (CyanoHABs) in shallow lakes with sediment P as a potential source to support algae growth. With these important results, we proposed a conceptual model for "P-pumping suction" from sediments to algae to aid in the development of the criteria for sediment P concentrations in shallow lakes.

Phosphorous partitioning in sediments by particle size distribution in shallow lakes: From its mechanisms and patterns to its ecological implications.

This study revealed a general pattern of P partitioning onto sediment particles that has ecological implications for shallow lakes. Six individual sediment samples from two large shallow lakes in eastern China were sieved into five sediment particle size classes ranging from 0.5 µm to 50 µm. These particle size groupings were subjected to P fractionation and P adsorption isotherm analyses as well as bioavailable P bioassays. A P-adding experiment was used to validate the initial P partitioning onto the sediment particles. Multiple lines of evidence revealed that P partitioning onto the particles was dependent on the amounts of P adsorbents or P-containing compounds in the sediments, such as iron and aluminum oxides, organic matter, and calcium compounds. An exponential equation, c(x) = cmaxexp(-kdx), was proposed to describe the relationship between the partitioning of bioavailable P and particle size. In the equation, cmax represents the maximum P concentration adsorbed by the finest particles, and kd is a constant reflecting the decrease in the P concentration with particle size (x).

Comparative study of the effect of rice husk-based powders used as physical conditioners on sludge dewatering.

The effects of rice husk flour (RHF), rice husk biochar (RHB), and rice husk-sludge cake biochar (RH-SCB, expresses sludge cake biochar deriving from a sludge that has been previously conditioned with rice husk) used as physical conditioners on sludge dewaterability were compared. The effects of characteristics of physical conditioners on sludge compressibility and zeta potential were analyzed. The optimal rice husk-based powder was RH-SCB, which presented the highest net sludge solid yield (YN, expresses the dry mass flow by filtration) at 20.39 kg/(m2 h) for 70% dry sludge (DS). Characterization analysis indicates that the hardness and surface Fe content of powders which could influence the compressibility coefficient of sludge cake and sludge zeta potential were the major factors influencing sludge dewaterability. The comparison of feasibility and economic analysis showed that adding RH-SCB improves the quality of the sludge filtrate and reduces the pollution potential of conditioned sludge (the ratio of secondary and primary (RSP) of Cu, Zn, Cd reduces from 43.05, 144.00, 7.25 to 7.89, 14.63, 4.27, respectively), and the costs of using RH-SCB were the lowest (at 88.4% lower than that of the raw sludge). Therefore, it is feasible to use RH-SCB to improve sludge dewaterability.