ESTUDIO DE LA RECUPERACIÓN DE FÓSFORO EN LA EDAR DE ARAZURI-PAMPLONA

Abstract

Phosphorus is an essential and no-renewable natural resource. From the total phosphorus used in fertilizers manufacturing, about 17% ends in wastewater, creating eutrophication problems. It is necessary to change the WWTP concept, from "phosphorus removal utility" toward "resource recovery utility". The recovery is only possible in WWTPs with Enhanced Biological Phosphorus Removal System, by some process modifications. The aim of this study was to design and assess configuration changes in Arazuri-Pamplona WWTP (750,000 equivalent inhabitants) for the phosphorus recovery. The work was carried out using the model BNRM2 and DESASS simulation software. The used configuration consists on a primary and biological sludge mixing chamber and phosphorous enriched supernatant removal system, either by dynamic thickener or phosphorus recirculation-elutriation system. Compared with more complex systems, this one needs less economic investment, and allows the recovery of 40-50% of total phosphorus before anaerobic digestion, reducing uncontrolled struvite precipitation inside of digesters.