Phosphorus from wastewater: Novel technologies for advanced treatment and re-use

Project Description

Phosphorus is a finite, non-renewable commodity which is critical to food production. Phosphorus is one of 20 materials listed within the EU as a 'Critical Raw Material'. Europe's phosphorus reserve is minimal and as a phosphorus importer Ireland and the wider European Community now recognizes its high vulnerability to phosphorus scarcity. Paradoxically, phosphorus removal from wastewater is currently also of international importance. Excess phosphorus discharge to the aquatic environment causes eutrophication; annual eutrophication management costs in the UK and Ireland stand at >€200 million. Wastewater streams offer a compelling opportunity to recover phosphorus. Up to 30% of society's phosphorus demand could be satisfied by recovering phosphorus from domestic waste streams alone. This project will produce a comprehensive review of the current best available technologies for phosphorus removal and recovery from waste streams and assess their feasibility for adoption within Ireland. The project will also trial a range of novel phosphorus recycling technologies developed within Queen's University Belfast and NUI-Galway. These potentially offer new and improved methodologies for phosphorus recycling and will further strengthen Ireland's position as a hub for renewable energy generation, resource security, and environmental sustainability.