Typical MSW odor abatement using sludge derived carbon prepared by activation with Fenton’s reagent and NaClO

Abstract

Sludge derived carbon (SBC) is a potential resource from sewage sludge disposal, and chemical pre-treatment is a necessary activation method for the improvement of the SBC quality. Two novel activators, i.e. Fenton and NaClO, were introduced to produce SBC precursors through the destruction of cell wall barriers and heterogeneous structures in sludge. High quality SBC-Fenton and SBC-NaClO were produced, with the BET having increased from 38 m² g⁻¹ in the control group to 253 m² g⁻¹ and 423 m² g⁻¹, respectively. The micro-porosity volume increased from 6% to 42% and 46% in the SBC-Fenton and SBC-NaClO, respectively, with the corresponding saturation adsorption capacity increasing from 33.1 mg g⁻¹ to 71.5 mg g⁻¹ and 67.8 mg g⁻¹ based on Langmuir isotherms using methylene blue. The adsorption processes of the typical odorants H₂S and NH₃ were also tested using the SBC-Fenton and SBC-NaClO, which could reduce the landfill volume and odor emissions simultaneously, and around 2.1 mg g⁻¹ and 0.68–2.24 mg g⁻¹ of NH₃ and H₂S were adsorbed under different dosages. SBC could be a promising adsorption carrier and supporting substance for soil cover in landfills.