Effect of hydrothermal carbonization on pyrolysis behavior, nutrients and metal species distribution in municipal sludge.

[Display omitted] • The pyrolysis activation energy of WAS decreased by using the Coats-Redfern method. • Hydrothermal carbonization reduces the pyrolysis reaction activity of hydrochar. • Hydrothermal carbonization promoted the release of P and N at 200 °C. • Hydrothermal carbonization can improve the stability of heavy metals in WAS. In this study, the effect of hydrothermal carbonation (HTC) on the pyrolysis behavior and the distribution of nutrients and metal species of waste-activated sludge (WAS) was investigated. Results showed that the pyrolysis activation energy range of WAS decreased from 11 to 57 kJ/mol to 10–36 kJ/mol when the hydrothermal carbonization was at 160 °C. As indicated by thermodynamic parameters, the hydrothermal carbonization process reduces the pyrolysis reaction activity of the hydrochar. The results of the chemical analysis indicate that hydrothermal carbonization significantly enhances the release of phosphorus and nitrogen, with maximum recovery at a temperature of 200 °C. The standard measurement and testing protocol revealed that hydrothermal carbonization increased the content of non-apatite inorganic P fraction in hydrochar and enhanced the availability of P. Heavy metal analysis shows that hydrothermal carbonization can strengthen the stability of heavy metals in WAS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]