Sewage Parameters 4 Part 1: Phosphorus (P)

Introduction

Continuing from our discussion on Population Equivalent (PE), the next parameter is Phosphorus (P). Phosphorus is a critical focus in wastewater treatment due to its role in promoting algae growth and its potential environmental impacts when present in excess.

Why is Phosphorus Important in Wastewater Effluent?

• Ecological Role:

  • Phosphorus, along with Nitrogen, is an essential nutrient for the growth of algae and other biological organisms.

• Environmental Impact:

  • High levels of Phosphorus in watercourses can cause:

    • Algae Blooms: Excessive algae growth.

    • Oxygen Depletion: As algae die and decompose, they consume large amounts of oxygen, leading to fish kills and the death of other aquatic organisms.

Forms of Phosphorus in Wastewater

1. Total Phosphorus (TP):

   • Refers to the sum of all forms of Phosphorus in wastewater.

2. Orthophosphates:

   • A specific form of Phosphorus that is immediately available for biological metabolism.

   • The most significant polluting form of Phosphorus due to its direct role in algal and biological growth.

Typical Phosphorus Levels

• Raw Wastewater:

  • Total Phosphorus: 4–15 mg/l

• Treated Effluent:

  • Increasingly stringent standards specify Total Phosphorus levels in the range of 0.5–5 mg/l.

How to Reduce Phosphorus Levels

• The most common method for Phosphorus reduction in wastewater is through chemical dosing:

  • Aluminium Sulphate (Alum) or Ferric Sulphate.

  • These chemicals are added to the primary settlement area of the treatment plant to precipitate Phosphorus, removing it from the water.

Example: Algae Bloom

Next Topic

In the next post, we’ll dive deeper into methods for reducing Phosphorus in wastewater treatment systems.

Questions?

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