A Review of Phosphorus Removal Technology.
Abstract
The quality of the nation's surface water supplies has deteriorated through accelerated eutrophication. Phosphorus has been identified as a limiting nutrient in eutrophication that is contributed by man's wastewaters and amenable to control. Wastewater effluent limits on phosphorus concentrations are embodied in the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System. The Department of the Army wastewater treatment facilities must apply for and receive discharge permits under this system for all wastewater discharges. State-of-the-art of phosphorus removal technology was examined to include biological, chemical-biological, chemical-physical and physical techniques for phosphorus removal. Criteria for process selection for application at Army wastewater treatment facilities include permit limitations, process effectiveness and reliability, applicability to trickling-filter treatment schemes (the Army's predominant secondary process), economics, simplicity of operation and maintenance and maximum use of existing facilities and equipment. Upgrading biological treatment by chemical precipitation of phosphorus was identified as the process of choice. Lime, iron salts or aluminum salts are the chemicals commonly used. Points of chemical addition were identified and actual full-scale experiences were discussed, to include sludge production. Recommendations were made concerning process selection, applicability and research needs. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1977
- Accession Number
- ADA040802
Entities
People
- Robert S. Ryczak
- Roy D. Miller
Organizations
- United States Army Medical Research and Development Command