Enhanced Bio-P removal: Past, present, and future - A comprehensive review
Ruby Diaz1, Brendan Mackey1, Sreeni Chadalavada2
1Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA.
Chemosphere
|October 3, 2022
Summary
Enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR) effectively reduces phosphorus in wastewater using microbial communities. This review covers EBPR history, microbiology, and operational factors for successful implementation.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Environmental Engineering
- Microbiology
Background:
- Excess phosphorus and nitrogen from human activities cause eutrophication in surface waters.
- Enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR) offers an economical and eco-friendly solution for treating municipal wastewater discharges.
- Decades of research demonstrate EBPR's efficacy in reducing orthophosphate levels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of Enhanced Biological Phosphorus Removal (EBPR).
- To discuss critical operational parameters, microbiology, and microbial community dynamics in EBPR systems.
- To review current practices and explore future innovations in EBPR.
Main Methods:
- Review of historical data and operational practices of EBPR systems.
- Integration of process engineering principles and environmental microbiology.
- Application of molecular tools to identify polyphosphate-accumulating organisms (PAO) and denitrifying PAO (DPAO).
Main Results:
- EBPR has a long history of successful implementation globally.
- Molecular tools have identified key microbial players (PAO/DPAO) in EBPR.
- Process engineering and microbiology integration builds confidence in EBPR application.
Conclusions:
- EBPR is a proven technology for phosphorus removal from wastewater.
- Understanding EBPR microbiology and operational parameters is crucial for success.
- EBPR continues to evolve with advancements in related biological processes and innovations.
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