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Updated: Jul 5, 2026
09:50
Electrochemically and Bioelectrochemically Induced Ammonium Recovery
Published on: January 22, 2015
Nutrient removal from wastewaters using high performance materials
I D R Mackinnon1, K Barr, E Miller
1NanoChem Ltd. Level 6 Gehrmann Building, Research Road, St. Lucia QLD 4072, Australia. imac@nanochem.com.au
Summary
New MesoLite ion exchange effectively removes ammonia and phosphate from wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) side streams. This technology significantly reduces nitrogen load, improving overall treatment plant performance.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Engineering
- Water Treatment Technologies
- Wastewater Management
Background:
- Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) face challenges with high nitrogen and phosphate loads from recirculating side streams.
- These nutrient loads impact the efficiency of mainstream biological nutrient removal (BNR) processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of a novel ion exchange material, MesoLite, for removing ammonia and phosphate from WWTP side streams.
- To assess the potential of MesoLite to reduce the overall nitrogen load in a full-scale WWTP.
Main Methods:
- A pilot plant utilizing MesoLite was operated on ammonia-rich centrate from a dewatering centrifuge.
- The system operated with a one-hour detention time and was regenerated using a sodium-rich solution.
- Phosphate removal was also demonstrated using the same pilot plant on abattoir wastewater.
Main Results:
- MesoLite achieved over 90% reduction in ammonia from the centrate side stream.
- A full-scale implementation could reduce the total nitrogen load at the Oxley Creek WWTP by at least 18%.
- The reduction in nitrogen load improved the TKN/COD ratio and enhanced BNR process performance.
Conclusions:
- MesoLite demonstrates significant potential for ammonia and phosphate removal from WWTP side streams.
- This ion exchange technology offers a viable solution for reducing nutrient loads and improving wastewater treatment efficiency.
- The application of MesoLite can lead to substantial reductions in nitrogen discharge and enhanced biological nutrient removal.
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