Industrial Phycology: Harnessing the natural power of microalgae as a multi-benefit nature-based solution for the wastewater industry: PAPER & PRESENTATION
Ekins-Coward, T.1 , Ho F.1 , Whittle, I.2 and Viñuela, R.3
1 Industrial Phycology, UK, 2 Wessex Water, UK,3 South West Water
(free)
Conventional wastewater (WW) treatment solutions emit CO2 across all operational units, even after the disposal of treated effluents and sludges. In addition, processes such as nitrification–denitrification can be responsible for 4–5% (N2O) of the total anthropogenic emissions. One tonne of N2O is equivalent to 320 tonnes of CO2.
The net zero strategy outlined by the Government highlighted the need to utilise alternative treatment processes, specifically for ammonia removal, and nature-based solutions. Industrial-Phycology (I-Phyc) has developed a process based on the industrial application of
microalgae for the sustainable and environmentally friendly treatment of WW. The I-Phyc process utilises the algal cell as a biocatalyst, which ensures fast and effect removal of phosphate, ammonium, and a wide range of emerging containments simultaneously. The I-Phyc process has been designed to be retrofitted onto small treatment works, removing the need for metal salt dosing, excessive sludge disposal, and nitrifying systems. This significant process intensification of an algal nature-based water treatment option offers water operators to meet current and future demands for often problematic small treatment sites.
Keywords
Ammonia; Phosphorus; Emerging Contaminants; Microalgae; Nature Based; Wastewater Treatment
