Effects of microwave and alkali induced pretreatment on sludge solubilization and subsequent aerobic digestion

► Very few study carried out on combined MW-alkali pretreatment. ► No study carried out on the aerobic digestibility of MW-alkali pretreated sludge. ► MW-alkali pretreatment synergistically enhance sludge solubilization. ► MW-alkali pretreatment increase the rate of aerobic digestion and decrease the SRT. ► MW-alkali pretreatment will reduce the consumption of energy, chemicals and time too.