Reactive electrically conducting membranes for phosphorus recovery from livestock wastewater effluents

We present a novel ‘proof-of-concept’ electrochemically based membrane filtration process for the recovery of nitrogen and phosphorus from livestock wastewater following an anaerobic digestion step. Reactive electrically conducting membranes are shown to precipitate separate struvite, eco-friendly fertilizer synthetic wastewater, resulting in production solid high-quality water stream, fit irrigation. The is on electrochemical hydrolysis control local pH proximity surface membrane, therefore, does not require chemical additives adjustment. system was assessed at varying concentrations corresponding diluted concentrated (up 1000 mg/L N P). Experimental results show up 65% removal first 30 min filtration, precipitates were analytically confirmed be struvite. In addition, efficient as it resulted limited fouling flux reduction. Fouling precipitation explained by mathematical model describing concentration N, P, Mg ions presence external electric field. Accordingly, takes place membrane's but directly it, thus, limiting fouling. adjustment, cost associated with membrane-based struvite calculated $158 per ton dry which about 1.4 times lower comparison conventional approaches. Overall, may promising alternative nutrient terms operational costs, efficiency, mitigation.