Reagent-free phosphorus precipitation from a denitrified swine effluent in a batch electrochemical system

There is high interest in the recovery of phosphorus (P) from wastewater through crystallization processes. However, the addition of chemical reagents (e.g., sodium hydroxide) to raise the pH may result in high treatment costs and increased concentrations of undesired metal ions (e.g., sodium). As a...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Dessì, Emma, Company Masó, Emma, Pous Rodríguez, Narcís, Milia, Stefano, Colprim Galceran, Jesús, Magrí Aloy, Albert
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión publicada
Fecha de publicación:2024
País:España
Institución:Varias* (Consorci de Biblioteques Universitáries de Catalunya, Centre de Serveis Científics i Acadèmics de Catalunya)
Repositorio:Recercat. Dipósit de la Recerca de Catalunya
OAI Identifier:oai:recercat.cat:10256/25292
Acceso en línea:http://hdl.handle.net/10256/25292
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Electroquímica
Electrochemistry
Aigua -- Electròlisi
Water -- Electrolysis
Aigües residuals -- Depuració
Sewage -- Purification
Descripción
Sumario:There is high interest in the recovery of phosphorus (P) from wastewater through crystallization processes. However, the addition of chemical reagents (e.g., sodium hydroxide) to raise the pH may result in high treatment costs and increased concentrations of undesired metal ions (e.g., sodium). As an alternative, in this research we considered electrochemical mediated precipitation at low current densities (0.4–1.2 A m−2) without using chemical reagents. For that purpose, a two-chamber electrochemical system was operated in batch for treating denitrified swine effluent (48 mg P L−1). By applying current at 1.2 A m−2, and targeting pH 11.5, a maximum P removal rate of 33.4 mmol P (L·d−1) was obtained while the P removal efficiency was above 90 %. New solids that formed mostly remained suspended in the catholyte. Before discharge, the catholyte effluent was recirculated to the anodic compartment to neutralize the pH, achieving a final pH of 6.4 ± 0.1. Chlorine (Cl2) production in the anodic compartment was favored by a small anode surface and a high initial pH of the catholyte. Although the production of chlorine achieved was limited (the highest concentration was 8.6 ± 0.1 mg Cl2 L−1) these findings represent a new opportunity for the recovery and onsite use of this side-product. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy tests confirmed that the deposition of solids inside the cathodic compartment during the experimental period was limited. Membrane analysis revealed significant scaling of carbonate compounds. The electrochemical treatment described above was shown as a promising alternative to sodium hydroxide and sulfuric acid dosage for pH adjustment when crystallizing phosphate salts