Author : Aboulfotoh A. M.

Improving the settling properties of sludge is one of the main consultations in order to help enhancement the effluent quality to fit in the standards. In this research paper effective microorganisms (EM) were tested to improve the settling properties of aeration tank effluent. EM were tested as an additive in two different ways –instantaneous and continuous addition- and was investigated based on zone settling velocity, sludge volume index, final sludge concentration and limiting solid flux. Results were compared with the corresponding properties of a control sludge sample. Using of EM improved the settling properties of activated sludge and continuous EM addition was more effective than the instantaneous EM addition as the zone settling velocity, final sludge concentration and limiting solid flux values increased, while the sludge volume index decreased. The cost of using EM was primary estimated and compared to the cost of other additives.

Keywords: EM, Sludge settling, solid flux, SVI, zone settling velocity

Article published in International Journal of Current Engineering and Technology, Vol.7, No.5 (Sept/Oct 2017)