Biotechnology for phosphorus removal during wastewater treatment

Advanced biological wastewater treatment for the removal of phosphorus in excess of the normal metabolic requirements of activated sludge type processes has been developed as an alternative to chemical addition. Current laboratory and pilot plant investigations have confirmed that a preliminary anaerobic zone and plug-flow type configuration are necessary for good enhanced biological phosphorus removal. Nitrate in the anaerobic stage inhibits the process whereas acetate enhances phosphorus uptake. The bacteria probably responsible are of the Acinetobacter genus and the presence of stored polyphosphate within these bacteria has been demonstrated. It has also been shown that pure cultures of Acinetobacter do not necessarily take up soluble substrate as phosphate is released during the anaerobic phase, in contrast to the current proposed mechanism, and that in certain cases natural chemical precipitation could make a significant contribution towards overall phosphorus removal. Several studies of pilot and full-scale plants have been reported.