Effect of Fe2+ and Fe0 Applied Photo‐Fenton Processes on Sludge Disintegration

The disintegration of waste active sludge was investigated by photo‐Fenton processes. A batch study was conducted to evaluate parameters, such as Fe2+ and Fe0 ions and H2O2, governing the activated sludge integration by the photo‐Fenton process. Under optimum conditions, the concentration of soluble chemical oxygen demand (SCOD) with the classical Fenton process (CFP) increased very rapidly in the first five minutes due to the sufficient presence of reaction components in the medium, and then the rate of increase declined. In the modified Fenton process (FTP), the SCOD concentration increased more slowly as metallic iron powder must first be dissolved. The photo‐Fenton process proved to be a feasible and efficient process for the disintegration of waste sludge. The disintegration of sludge was investigated with the classical and modified Fenton process as well as the photo‐Fenton process under various experimental conditions. Process optimization, a kinetic study, and disintegration degree calculation were performed based on the soluble chemical oxygen demand. The photo‐Fenton process is a feasible and efficient process for disintegration of waste sludge.