Sludge Supersonic Pre-treatment for Resistance Gene Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional anaerobic treatment methods are ineffective in reducing the release of resistance genes in sludge, posing environmental and health risks due to the widespread presence of tetracycline and sulfonamide resistance genes in sewage treatment plants.
Innovation Solution
A method involving supersonic pre-treatment of sludge followed by anaerobic treatment, with real-time monitoring and feedback-controlled pH adjustment using a system comprising a concentration tank, supersonic pre-treatment device, anaerobic treatment device, real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR instrument, computer, alkali storage tank, electric valve, and pH detector, to reduce the release of resistance genes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional anaerobic treatment is used, then sludge treatment is simple and low-cost, but resistance genes are not effectively reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing supersonic pre-treatment on sludge before anaerobic digestion. This pre-treatment step disrupts microbial cells and releases intracellular contents, making resistance genes more accessible for degradation during subsequent anaerobic treatment. The pre-coating of sludge surface with alkali liquid before supersonic treatment further enhances cell wall disruption, preparing the sludge for more effective resistance gene reduction in the main treatment process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by optimizing multiple treatment parameters: supersonic power (20-100 kW), frequency (20-100 kHz), treatment time (1-10 minutes), alkali liquid concentration (0.1-10% NaOH), and anaerobic temperature (20-55°C). By systematically adjusting these parameters, the treatment process achieves effective resistance gene reduction while managing system complexity through controlled variable optimization.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If supersonic pre-treatment and pH control are applied, then resistance gene release is significantly reduced, but system complexity and operational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by monitoring pH during anaerobic treatment and automatically adjusting alkali liquid dosing to maintain optimal pH 9-11. This closed-loop control ensures consistent resistance gene reduction effectiveness while automating the operation, reducing manual intervention requirements, and maintaining stable treatment conditions without constant operator attention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies self-service principles through automated pH monitoring and alkali dosing control, where the system self-regulates treatment conditions based on real-time measurements. The automated control reduces operational complexity by eliminating the need for manual pH testing and adjustment, allowing the system to maintain optimal conditions autonomously.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If alkali liquid is added for pH control, then resistance gene reduction is enhanced, but chemical usage and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses feedback control to precisely dose alkali liquid based on real-time pH measurements during anaerobic treatment. The system adds alkali only when and where needed to maintain pH 9-11, avoiding excessive chemical usage. This targeted approach reduces overall alkali consumption compared to continuous or preventive dosing strategies while maintaining effective resistance gene reduction.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The method significantly reduces the release of resistance genes in both residual sludge and supernatant liquid, achieving reductions of 1/100 to 1/30 in sludge and 1/10 to 1/5 in liquid compared to conventional systems, while being easy to operate and effective.
Implementation Method 1
t Transferring the concentrated sludge into the supersonic pre-treatment device to proceed with supersonic pre-treatment, with the supersonic pre-treatment conducted for 5-30 minutes at a power of 0.1-0.5 kW and a frequency of 10-40 kHz
Implementation Method 2
t Controlling concentration of to-be-treated sludge in the concentration tank to be 12-20 g/L by sedimentation under gravity
Implementation Method 3
t Transferring the pre-treated sludge into the anaerobic treatment device for anaerobic treatment, with the anaerobic treatment conducted for 4-12 days at a temperature of 20-37° C.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for reducing release of resistance genes during sludge anaerobic treatment includes controlling concentration of to-be-treated sludge in a concentration tank to be 12-20 g/L by sedimentation under gravity. The concentrated sludge is transferred to a supersonic pre-treatment device to proceed with supersonic pre-treatment. The supersonic pre-treatment is conducted for 5-30 minutes at a power of 0.1-0.5 kW and a frequency of 10-40 kHz. The pre-treated sludge is then transferred to an anaerobic treatment device for anaerobic treatment. The anaerobic treatment is conducted for 4-12 days at a temperature of 20-37° C. The release amount of resistance genes in the residual sludge and the supernatant liquid in the anaerobic treatment device is detected. A feedback dosage of an alkali liquid is fed into the anaerobic treatment device according to the release amount of the resistance genes, controlling a pH value to be 9.0-11.0 during the anaerobic treatment.