HOTSEAT
Phosphorus removal options explored in collaborative trials
“The project is opening up new opportunities and we are now
understanding, in more detail, what is required from us as water companies to incorporate these processes and move away from our fossil fuel-based standard solutions.” Phosphorus can enter watercourses from various sources, including WwTW, agricultural land and urban runoff. High levels are damaging to water environments, promoting excessive algal growth and depriving fish and other aquatic animals of oxygen. In England, excess phosphorous remains the top reason for water bodies failing to achieve ‘good’ ecological status, and water companies are working to achieve tightening targets for its removal from wastewater. “Spring is delighted to be the knowledge-sharing partner on this collaborative project to find alternative approaches to phosphorus removal at rural WwTW,” added Chloe Tooth, knowledge and communications manager at Spring. “We are proud of how our knowledge transfer service is helping to disseminate knowledge from these innovation projects and accelerate learning across the sector.”
Onsite investigations led by United Utilities at Woolton WwTW are complete and technical reporting is underway (Image: Spring)
Alternative approaches to phosphorus removal at rural wastewater treatment works (WwTW) are being explored in a project led by United Utilities. The ALT-P project, for which Spring Innovation is the knowledge-sharing partner, received funding through Ofwat’s inaugural Water Breakthrough Challenge in 2021. Working alongside United Utilities are project partners Southern Water, Wessex Water, University of Portsmouth, Power and Water, Kolina, Hydro Industries and Evergreen. The water industry is dependent on the use of metal-based coagulants for the removal of phosphorus, at rural wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). By exploring cost, reliability and sustainability, ALT-P aims to reduce the carbon footprint of wastewater treatment and increase resilience by reducing reliance on chemicals. The alternatives being examined are electrocoagulation and natural coagulation — onsite investigations led by United
Utilities at Woolton WwTW are complete and technical reporting is underway. Furthermore, reactive media — investigations led by Southern Water and the University of Portsmouth are due to complete in October 2024. The ALT-P team has discussed the project at sector events such as European Wastewater Management Conference, in Manchester, UK, on 2-3 Jul 2024. ALT-P conference hosted by United Utilities will be at Haweswater Conference Centre, Lingley Mere, Warrington, on 17 Sep 2024. Spring will also host a project knowledge showcase event and three surgery sessions, as part of its best practice knowledge-sharing initiative. Lisa Mansell, chief engineer, innovation and carbon, United Utilities, said: “Through the ALT-P project, we aim to determine what can be achieved using alternative approaches and the climate benefits these could deliver for the water sector.
Lisa Mansell Chief engineer, innovation and carbon, United Utilities
52 Water & Wastewater Asia | September-October 2024
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