Alternative technique for removal of phosphorus in wastewater using chemically surface-modified silica filter

An innovative phosphorus removal filter made of silica granules was designed and evaluated for advanced wastewater treatment. The silica granules from natural mineral stones were formed into a porous body by sintering with addition of glass powder. The phosphorus was removed by the ionic exchange mechanism between OH− in Si(OH)4 and PO43− in wastewater. The silica filter was very effective in removing phosphorus in wastewater by ion exchange. We found the possibility of a phosphorus removal filter with no sludge production characteristics of flocculation treatment techniques, and it seems to be quite meaningful as a new wastewater treatment.