Vermifilter, based on earthworm-microorganism synergistic action, could simultaneously achieve the reduction and stabilization of excess sludge environment-friendly. To make vermifilter work more efficiently and steadily, the diameter of ceramsite, filter height, and influent concentration were investigated in this study. The results showed that though larger ceramicite may decrease the rate of suspended solids (SS) reduction and volatile suspended solids (VSS) reduction slightly, it can improve the ventilation and cooperation of earthworms and microbes, reduce the filter’s maximum sludge capability, make the sludge distribution inside the filter be more reasonable and beneficial to the long-term stable operation of the filter. The higher filter could not only bring out a better environment for earthworms and microbes but also enhance the filter’s capacity for sludge reduction and stabilization. Nevertheless, higher filters could bring out an extra burden on the infrastructure fee, along with the decrease in the organic loading and the handling capacity of filters. The finding provides a quantitative insight into how the design parameters influence sewage sludge reduction and stabilization in a vermifiltration system.
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