title: Effect of temperature on solids reductions and on degradation kinetics during thermophilic aerobic digestion of a simulated sludge.
abstract: Laboratory-scale experiments were conducted to determine the influence of higher thermophilic temperatures on thermophilic aerobic digestion treatment of a simulated sludge. The efficiency of the process was evaluated in respect of solids removal and degradation rate constants at four thermophilic temperatures. Batch runs were operated at a retention time of one day and temperatures of 65, 70, 72 and 75 degrees C. The results indicated that temperature increase did not impart any significant benefits to the digestion operation in terms of suspended solids and biochemichal oxygen demand reduction. The findings from this research also suggested that the treatment would not appear to benefit from temperatures higher than 65 degrees C, as classically suggested by Van't Hoff-Arrhenius. Therefore, increase of thermophilic temperature in the tested 65-75 degrees C range does not enhance the efficiency of thermophilic, aerobic sludge digestion treatment.
authors.affiliation: Technological Educational Institute of Ionian Islands, Department of Ecology and Environment, Square Kalvou, 29100 Zakynthos, Greece.
authors.forename: C J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Toki
mesh_terms: D000332:Aerobiosis; D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D012722:Sewage; D013696:Temperature
chemical_list: D012722:Sewage