Review: Phosphorus removal and recovery technologies

A review has been undertaken of technologies to remove and recover phosphorus from wastewater and their potential to facilitate the recycling of phosphorus and its sustainability. A wide range of technologies were identified, including chemical precipitation, biological phosphorus removal, crystallisation, novel chemical precipitation approaches and a number of wastewater and sludge-based methods. Phosphorus in wastewater represents a significant renewable resource and there is no environmental or technical reason why phosphorus cannot be recycled. Indeed, there are many potential environmental benefits from reducing reliance on phosphate rock and associated impurities, a practice which is ultimately unsustainable. Co-operation and leadership by government is required to progress phosphorus towards sustainability.