Biodegradation of the endogenous residue of activated sludge

This study evaluated the potential biodegradability of the endogenous residue in activated sludge subjected to batch digestion under either non-aerated or alternating aerated and non-aerated conditions. Mixed liquor for the tests was generated in a 200 L pilot-scale aerobic membrane bioreactor (MBR) operated at a 5.2 days SRT. The MBR system was fed a soluble and completely biodegradable synthetic influent composed of sodium acetate as the sole carbon source. This influent, which contained no influent unbiodegradable organic or inorganic materials, allowed to generate sludge composed of essentially two fractions: a heterotrophic biomass X_H and an endogenous residue X_E, the nitrifying biomass being negligible (less than 2%). The endogenous decay rate and the active biomass fraction of the MBR sludge were determined in 21-day aerobic digestion batch tests by monitoring the VSS and OUR responses. Fractions of X_H and X_E: 68% and 32% were obtained, respectively, at a 5.2 days SRT. To assess the biodegradability of X_E, two batch digestion units operated at 35 °C were run for 90 days using thickened sludge from the MBR system. In the first unit, anaerobic conditions were maintained while in the second unit, alternating aerated and non-aerated conditions were applied. Data for both units showed apparent partial biodegradation of the endogenous residue. Modeling the batch tests indicated endogenous residue decay rates of 0.005 d⁻¹ and 0.012 d⁻¹ for the anaerobic unit and the alternating aerated and non-aerated conditions, respectively.