Removal and recovery of phosphorus from side-stream hydrolysis

Abstract: The report formulates the experiments conducted to remove phosphorus from the return sludge wastewater subjected to side-stream hydrolysis. The experiments are conducted using the wastewater from the outlet of side-stream hydrolysis and is tested in a laboratory at the Duvbackens wastewater treatment plant in Gävle. Chemical precipitation is used in the experiments and displays remarkable results using magnesium chloride and calcium chloride as the precipitants. A successful removal rate of 79-99% is achieved through this method. The phosphate phosphorus content is chosen to be the criterion for estimating the phosphorus removal rate. Possible parametric variations are also reviewed in the report. The decline in ammonium nitrogen is also studied alongside. Struvite and calcium phosphate are the possible precipitates and are recovered with the prospect of recycling. Both the precipitates are known as slow fertilizers and are used in the agricultural industry. If recovered by proper means, these precipitates can reduce the pressure on phosphate industry and on naturally occurring phosphate rocks. Calcium phosphate is selected among the precipitation methods for its rapid reaction and its minimum response to parametric variations. It also expresses a faster settling property with a clear solution after precipitation. The removal and recovery of phosphorus from the side-stream hydrolysis is evaluated with a notion to operate in a pilot scale.