Impact of Wood Biochar on Organics Degradation and Maturity of Sewage Sludge

Abstract:

Elemental analysis method and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy method were applied to the investigation of the effect of wood biochar on carbon loss and nitrogen loss of sewage sludge. Wood biochar was added on four levels, i.e., 0, 10%, 20%, and 30% of sewage sludge fresh weight. The results show that with the increasing of the wood biochar addition, the carbon content of sludge decreases significantly. Carbon loss is 18.3%~27.8% higher than the control. However, nitrogen loss is 10.3%~17.2% higher than the control. The reduction of polysaccharides, protein and aliphatic components, and a relative increase of aromatic components and compost maturity are proved by increasing wood biochar addition.