Synergistic strengthening mechanism of hydraulic selection pressure and poly aluminum chloride (PAC) regulation on the aerobic sludge granulation.

This study aimed to enhance aerobic granulation by the integration of hydraulic selection pressure (HSP) and poly aluminum chloride (PAC) regulation. Based on an investigation of sludge characteristics, microbial aggregation and extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) secretion, the synergistic mechanisms of HSP and PAC regulation were revealed. For granule formation, HSP primarily improved the cell hydrophobicity and extracellular protein production, while PAC regulation markedly neutralized the surface charge of cells and reduced the interaction energy between them. In addition, biomass retention was also facilitated by the PAC dosing. Notably, the results of total interaction energy and flocculating ability imply that prior HSP screening could significantly promote PAC regulation on microbial aggregation. To optimize the balance between granule formation and reactor performances, five kinds of integrated strategies for HSP and PAC regulation were conducted in batch test. According to the results, 4.3 g/L initial mixed liquor volatile suspended solids (MLVSS) was preferred before the addition of PAC.