# Study on enhanced sludge dewatering and mechanism by modified corn straw powder in conjunction with tannic acid

## TL;DR

This study develops an eco-friendly sludge dewatering agent using modified corn straw and tannic acid, reducing moisture content effectively.

## Contribution

A novel natural dewatering agent is developed using modified corn straw and tannic acid, offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional flocculants.

## Key findings

- Modified corn straw powder reduces sludge moisture content by approximately 20%.
- Combining modified corn straw with tannic acid reduces sludge particle size and moisture content by about 30%.

## Abstract

In sludge treatment, high moisture content presents a core challenge. Traditional flocculants often release toxic substances that can harm the environment, leading to a growing interest in natural polymer flocculants due to their eco-friendly properties. This study explores the modification of corn straw using sodium hydroxide and 3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyl trimethyl ammonium chloride, aiming to develop a natural and environmentally friendly dewatering agent. The research indicates that the modified corn straw powder can effectively disrupt the structure of sludge flocs, resulting in a significant reduction of approximately 20% in sludge moisture content. Additionally, it was found that the modified corn straw powder, in conjunction with tannic acid, can notably decrease the particle size of sludge, effectively reducing the moisture content by about 30%.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1038/s41598-026-43109-3.