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Fe-N-Modified Sludge Biochar for Enhanced Acetic Acid Production from Sludge Anaerobic Fermentation

Author

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  • Lingling Wei

    (College of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China)

  • Jinquan Wan

    (College of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China)

  • Zhicheng Yan

    (College of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China)

  • Yan Wang

    (College of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China)

Abstract

Sustainable recycling of carbon resources from waste-activated sludge (WAS) is essential for advancing the circular wastewater economy. Anaerobic fermentation provides an eco-efficient pathway for converting organic matter from waste-activated sludge into volatile fatty acids (VFAs). In this study, Fe-N modified biochar was innovatively prepared from WAS for acetic acid yield enhancement, and the system realized the closure of the material cycle. Results show that adding Fe-N-modified biochar (made under the conditions of 0.2M FeCl 3 and 10 g/L urea) led to a 38.8% increase in acetic acid yield (1745 mg/L) and a 5.7% increase in its percentage (60.5%) compared to the control. It also improved sludge hydrolysis and hydrolase activity. In addition, Fe-N-modified biochar increased the relative abundance of Chloroflexi , Actinobacteria , and Bacteroidetes , among which Chloroflexi is an electro-active microorganism that promotes the transformation of propionic and butyric acids to acetic acid, while Bacteroidetes is the primary microorganism responsible for VFA production. In summary, Fe-N-modified biochar may serve as an effective material for promoting acetic acid production during the anaerobic fermentation of WAS.

Suggested Citation

  • Lingling Wei & Jinquan Wan & Zhicheng Yan & Yan Wang, 2025. "Fe-N-Modified Sludge Biochar for Enhanced Acetic Acid Production from Sludge Anaerobic Fermentation," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(7), pages 1-16, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:7:p:3247-:d:1628672
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    3. Tyagi, Vinay Kumar & Lo, Shang-Lien, 2013. "Sludge: A waste or renewable source for energy and resources recovery?," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 25(C), pages 708-728.
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