Effect of alkaline pretreatment on emerging substances of concern (ESoC) in biosolids**

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Wastewater is the largest source of effluent discharge to Canadian water resources, leaving behind residual solids which require further treatment to protect public health and the environment. Management of wastewater solids, sludge or biosolids (further treated sludge), is a major economic factor in the operation of wastewater treatment plants; ~50% of the annual operating costs are related to sludge management alone. Any reduction in volume of the sludge and greater stabilization reduce the burden on the ultimate management cost. Anaerobic digestion (AD), one of the most widely used sludge stabilization processes worldwide, utilizes anaerobic bacteria to break down about 40-50% of the sludge's organic matter to produce valuable biogas (methane) for energy and reduce pathogens of the sludge prior to a beneficial use. A superior and stabilized biosolids material can be utilized as an agricultural fertilizer, which has a positive effect on nutrient recycling and organic material reconstitution in the soil. The biodegradability of sludge solids, the enhancement of dewatering of the sludge, and destruction of pathogen can be improved by the chemical or biological pretreatment of sludge. The partnering company, Lystek International Inc. has a low-temperature thermal alkaline hydrolysis (THP) technology for treatment of biosolids and other organics. The process achieves cell and macromolecular hydrolysis through the addition of heat (75oC), alkali (KOH or other alkali sources to pH >9.5) and high-speed shearing. This process produces a CFIA-registered fertilizer that is sold to farmers for use on agricultural land. However, potential presence of trace concentrations of numerous organic compounds in biosolids is a global concern. These compounds are commonly referred to collectively as emerging substances of concern (ESoC) which include pharmaceuticals and active ingredients in personal care products in the raw sludge or treated biosolids. The objective of the proposed work is to determine the fate of ESoCs in biosolids when processed using the Lystek THP system. Specifically, this research aims to determine how the Lystek process, either alone, or coupled with anaerobic digestion, impacts the fate of five specific ESoCs. **