Enhanced waste activated sludge dewaterability by the ozone-peroxymonosulfate oxidation process: Performance, sludge characteristics, and implication

Dewatering treatment is an essential step to diminish sludge volume, cut down transportation costs, and improve subsequent disposal efficiency. In this study, ozone-peroxymonosulfate (O3/PMS) oxidation process was employed to ameliorate sludge dewaterability. Sludge capillary suction time (CST) and water content (Wc) of dewatered sludge cake could reduce from 70.5 s and 81.93% to 26.7 s and 65.65%, respectively, under the optimal dosage of 30 mg/g TS O3 and 0.4 mmol/g TS PMS. The increased sludge zeta potential, particle size, and fluidity promoted sludge dewatering performance apparently. The decreased hydrophilic, fluorescent EPS components and proteins/peptides-like + Lipids percentage in EPS as well as the ratio of α-helix/(β-sheet + random coil) of treated EPS protein secondary structure was greatly responsible for the enhanced sludge dewaterability. SO4− and OH were detected in ozone-peroxymonosulfate process to crack sludge flocs, eliminate hydrophilic substances and liberate bound water. Moreover, the concentrations of both heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) of sludge after O3/PMS conditioning were decreased, and the stability and toxicity of heavy metals were also reduced, except Zn. In conclusion, this work offered a comprehensive insight based on ozone-peroxymonosulfate (O3/PMS) advanced oxidation for improving the sludge dewaterability and environmental implication. [Display omitted] •Ozone-peroxymonosulfate oxidation effectively improved sludge dewaterability.•Reduced hydrophilic protein and changed protein secondary structure in EPS facilitated sludge dewatering.•The risk of heavy metals and PAHs in sludge was reduced after ozone-peroxymonosulfate treatment.