Lipid-enhancement of activated sludges obtained from conventional activated sludge and oxidation ditch processes.
Lipid-enhancement of activated sludges was conducted to increase the amount of saponifiable lipids in the sludges. The sludges were obtained from a conventional activated sludge (CAS) and an oxidation ditch process (ODP). Results showed 59-222% and 150-250% increase in saponifiable lipid content of the sludges from CAS and ODP, respectively. The fatty acid methyl ester (FAMEs) obtained from triacylglycerides was 57-67% (of total FAMEs) for enhanced CAS and 55-73% for enhanced ODP, a very significant improvement from 6% to 10% (CAS) and 4% to 8% (ODP). Regardless of the source, the enhancement resulted in sludges with similar fatty acid profile indicating homogenization of the lipids in the sludges. This study provides a potential strategy to utilize existing wastewater treatment facilities as source of significant amount of lipids for biofuel applications.
Renewable Fuels and Chemicals Laboratory, Dave C. Swalm School of Chemical Engineering, Mail Stop 9595, Mississippi State University, MS 39762, USA.
Emmanuel D
ED
Revellame
Rafael
R
Hernandez
W Todd
WT
French
William E
WE
Holmes
Allison
A
Forks
Robert
R
Callahan
D005227:Fatty Acids / Q000378:metabolism; D008055:Lipids / Q000737:chemistry*; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction; D054813:Polyhydroxyalkanoates; D012722:Sewage / Q000737:chemistry*; D014865:Waste Disposal, Fluid; D018508:Water Purification / Q000379:methods*
D005227:Fatty Acids; D008055:Lipids; D054813:Polyhydroxyalkanoates; D012722:Sewage
Biofuel; Lipid-accumulation; Wastewater bacteria