Reduction of microbial density level in wastewater activated sludge via freezing and thawing

This note has employed a freeze/thaw method for treating activated sludge, with especial attention for the reduction capability of microbial density. The sludge dewaterability is most enhanced if the growing ice front could reject the flocs. On the other hand, the microbial density level heavily relies on the bacterial species and the freezing speed. In this specific case, the freeze/thaw conditioned sludge could be classified as a class B sludge.