Innovative combination of electrolysis and Fe(II)-activated persulfate oxidation for improving the dewaterability of waste activated sludge.

Highlights: [•] A novel combined process for waste activated sludge dewatering was proposed. [•] Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) were characterized by ultraviolet visible spectra. [•] Loosely, tightly bound EPS and bacterial cells in sludge flocs together affected the dewatering. [•] Tightly bound EPS provided some protective shielding allowing cells to survive. [•] The process disrupted EPS and cells, released the trapped water and promoted the dewatering. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]