Fe-loaded alginate hydrogel beads activating peroxymonosulfate for enhancing anaerobic fermentation of waste activated sludge: Performance and potential mechanism

The recovery of volatile fatty acids (VFAs) through anaerobic fermentation (AF) is usually restricted by the poor biodegradability of waste activated sludge (WAS). This study proposed a novel strategy, i.e. peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activated by Fe-loaded sodium alginate hydrogel beads (Fe-SA), to enhance AF performance. Experimental results demonstrated that the as-synthesized Fe-SA and PMS co-pretreatment synergistically enhanced WAS solubilization and VFAs production. The maximal VFAs yield of 2013 mg COD/L was achieved at the Fe-SA dosage of 4.0 mM/g TSS, which was 93.7% higher than that with sole PMS addition and 8.82 times higher than that of the control. Mechanistic studies elucidated that the generation of reactive radicals such as SO4•- and •OH from PMS was greatly induced by Fe-SA, which contributed to WAS disintegration and degradation of refractory compounds. Additionally, analysis of the key enzyme activities indicated that the Fe-SA could strengthen biological hydrolysis and acidogenesis of sludge during AF. Microbial analysis illustrated that Fe-SA evidently improved the abundances of fermentative microorganisms as well as functional gene expression via creating a favorable environment for microbial growth. This study demonstrated the applicable potential of Fe-SA hydrogel beads activating PMS for VFAs production and provides an important reference for developing advanced oxidation processes-based application in AF.