Dewatering performance of sludge using coconut shell biochar modified with ferric chloride (Sludge dewatering using bio-waste)

Coconut shell is a bio-waste, and its availability is high to waste in the coastal region of Karnataka, India. The present study focused on using coconut shell biochar modified with ferric chloride to enhance the sludge dewaterability, and it is evaluated experimentally (Capillary suction time, moisture content, settleability, zeta potential, heavy metals, and phosphate). Further, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction characterization were carried out to identify the structure's change. A significant reduction in capillary suction time (56 s) and the moisture content (96.5%) of the dewatered sludge cake was obtained. Sludge dewatering using coconut shell biochar modified with ferric chloride was optimized by a Box Behnken method with three main factors including dosage, rapid mixing time, and slow mixing time. Optimum capillary suction time (55.6 s) was achieved at coconut shell biochar modified with ferric chloride dosage (41% dry solids), rapid mixing time (10 min), and slow mixing time (19 min). The significant structural change in sludge particles was confirmed through characterization studies. During the dewatering process, the removal of heavy metal (cadmium, chromium, lead, and nickel) and phosphate (50.6%) was evident. Hence attempt of coconut shell biochar modified with ferric chloride as a skeleton material is an economical and promising option for sludge dewatering.