Wet Oxidation as an Advanced and Sustainable Technology for Sludge Treatment and Management: Results from Research Activities and Industrial-Scale Experiences

In this article, the effectiveness of an advanced sludge treatment technology (Wet Oxidation, WO) is presented by analyzing experimental studies at the lab scale and data collected during years of industrial-scale activities. The data showed good performances of WO on COD and VSS removal efficiencies—about 65–70% and 95–98%, respectively—and the effect of operating parameters (i.e., temperature and reaction time) on process efficiencies was highlighted. The energy balance of the WO systems indicated that about 90% of the energy entering the system may be recovered. Finally, a techno-economic assessment showed that WO can be a suitable solution for sludge treatment and minimization.