A Novel Hybrid Membrane Process Coupled with Freeze Concentration for Phosphorus Recovery from Cheese Whey

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Chemical Engineering
• Agricultural Science

Background:

• Global food security is threatened by increasing demand for phosphorus fertilizers and finite phosphate rock reserves.
• Phosphate rock is a critical raw material, necessitating alternative phosphorus sources.
• Cheese whey is a promising, phosphorus-rich byproduct for recycling.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and optimize a novel system for recovering phosphorus from cheese whey.
• To evaluate the efficiency of membrane filtration and freeze concentration for phosphorus recovery.
• To produce a high-value, phosphorus-rich product for agricultural applications.

Main Methods:

• Optimized microfiltration (0.2 µm) and ultrafiltration (200 kDa) membrane systems under varying transmembrane pressures and crossflow velocities.
• Applied pre-treatment including lactic acid acidification and centrifugation to enhance permeate recovery.
• Assessed progressive freeze concentration at -5 °C and 600 rpm for permeate treatment.

Main Results:

• Achieved 70% phosphorus recovery from cheese whey using the combined membrane system and freeze concentration technology.
• Optimized ultrafiltration (200 kDa) with lactic acid acidification proved effective.
• Produced a phosphorus-rich concentrate with significant agronomic value.

Conclusions:

• The coupled membrane system and freeze concentration technology effectively recovers phosphorus from cheese whey.
• This process provides a sustainable alternative to finite phosphate rock resources.
• The recovered phosphorus product supports circular economy principles and enhances agricultural sustainability.