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The impact of alum based advanced nutrient removal processes on phosphorus bioavailability.
- Source :
-
Water research [Water Res] 2012 Mar 01; Vol. 46 (3), pp. 837-44. Date of Electronic Publication: 2011 Nov 26. - Publication Year :
- 2012
-
Abstract
- Because eutrophication is a widespread consequence of wastewater discharges, there is a strong impetus to develop new approaches to remove phosphorus (P) from wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluents. We examined the effluents from a pilot plant that is testing various alum based processes for achieving>99% P removal, however, it is not known how these advanced P removal technologies affect the bioavailability of P (BAP). We tested how the percent BAP (%BAP) varied with different P removal levels using an algal growth bioassay methodology. This facility reduced total P concentrations from ≈ 500μgL(-1) in the pilot plant influent to 19±4 (±SD)μgL(-1) in the final effluent, and our results showed that as the level of P removal increased, the %BAP of the product declined sharply, r(2)=0.98. Prior to alum treatment, the influent had an average %BAP of 79±13%, and after three steps of alum-based removal the %BAP averaged 7±4%. Thus, this alum based P removal process was very effective at sequestering the P forms that most readily stimulate algal growth. Further, our results show the final BAP of the effluent was only ≈ 50% of the "reactive" P concentration. These results have important implications for nutrient management and trading schemes.<br /> (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1879-2448
- Volume :
- 46
- Issue :
- 3
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Water research
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 22176742
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2011.11.055