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Updated: May 10, 2026
07:45
Estimation of Urinary Nanocrystals in Humans using Calcium Fluorophore Labeling and Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis
Published on: February 9, 2021
Modelling and dynamic simulation of struvite precipitation from source-separated urine
Philip A Schneider1, James W Wallace, Julian C Tickle
1School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia. Phil.Schneider@jcu.edu.au
Summary
This study models nutrient recovery from urine, achieving over 99% phosphorus recovery. The nutrient feed rate limits precipitation, with minor impacts from flow variations, aiding reactor design.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Water Treatment
Background:
- Nutrient recovery from wastewater is crucial for resource circularity.
- Urine, a significant source of nutrients, requires efficient recovery technologies.
- Existing models often simplify complex chemical and physical processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a mixed-mode model for nutrient recovery from urine.
- To predict phosphorus recovery efficiency under various operating conditions.
- To assess the impact of feed flow variations on nutrient recovery rates.
Main Methods:
- Incorporation of complex solution thermodynamics and dynamic conservation relations.
- Application of a power-law kinetic expression for crystal growth.
- Simulations using established process kinetic parameters and operating conditions.
Main Results:
- Predicted phosphorus recoveries exceeding 99% under nominal conditions.
- Identification of nutrient feed rate as the primary limiting factor for precipitation.
- Demonstration of minimal impact (±50% diurnal variation) on nutrient recovery rates.
Conclusions:
- The developed model provides valuable insights for predicting nutrient recovery reactor performance.
- Enhanced understanding supports more confident process design, operation, and control.
- This modeling approach facilitates the optimization of nutrient recovery from urine.
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