Evaluation of a Microwave Based Reactor for the Treatment of Blackwater Sludge

Overview

Journal Sci Total Environ

Date 2016 Jan 23

PMID 26799809

Citations 12

Authors

Peter M Mawioo

Audax Rweyemamu

Hector A Garcia

Christine M Hooijmans

Damir Brdjanovic

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

A laboratory-scale microwave (MW) unit was applied to treat fresh blackwater sludge that represented fecal sludge (FS) produced at heavily used toilet facilities. The sludge was exposed to MW irradiation at different power levels and for various durations. Variables such as sludge volume and pathogen reduction were observed. The results demonstrated that the MW is a rapid and efficient technology that can reduce the sludge volume by over 70% in these experimental conditions. The concentration of bacterial pathogenic indicator E. coli also decreased to below the analytical detection levels. Furthermore, the results indicated that the MW operational conditions including radiation power and contact time can be varied to achieve the desired sludge volume and pathogen reduction. MW technology can be further explored for the potential scaling-up as an option for rapid treatment of FS from intensively used sanitation facilities such as in emergency situations.

Citing Articles

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