Nutrient Removal

Phosphorus and nitrogen, while necessary elements for life, when concentrated in the effluent of a wastewater treatment plant, are harmful to the environment, especially aquatic plants and animals. When concentrated amounts of these elements enter bodies of water, it causes algae blooms, which reduces dissolved oxygen in the water and can be damaging to animal populations. It can be a very serious problem for natural areas downstream of industrial or municipal discharge.

In recent years, government agencies have been tightening allowable discharge limits for these nutrients in an effort to improve the ecosystems downstream of these plants. Numerous processes exist to assist in the removal of these elements from treatment plants, including biological, chemical, and physical technologies.

For more information about how to more efficiently manage phosphorous or nitrogen in your plant or process, please let us know by filling out the form below or by contacting your USP Territory Manager.

Banner image is courtesy of NASA