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Project Code [2005-ET-LS-10-M3]

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Project title

A Novel Biotechnological Approach To Phosphorus Removal From Wastewaters.

Primary Funding Agency

Environmental Protection Agency

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

n/a

Lead Organisation

Queen's University Belfast (QUB)

Lead Applicant

John McGrath

Project Abstract

Phosphate removal from wastewaters is important for the control of eutrophication and is enforced by strict legislation. Current technologies employed to achieve discharge consents are expensive and/or unreliable. We have discovered that certain activated sludge micro-organisms show greatly enhanced phosphate uptake accompanied by intracellular polyphosphate accumulation if exposed to a short period of acid pH. We have demonstrated the potential of this system at the pilot scale (2000 litres) and are now engaged in a full scale trial; P removal may be increased by up to 80% using our acid pH process. This previously-unreported phenomenon thus offers the prospect of a novel solution to a serious environmental problem. Prerequisite to further exploitation of our novel P removal process is a greater scientific understanding of the i'acid stimulationi phenomenon.

Grant Approved

�391,494.00

Research Hub

Natural Environment

Research Theme

Protecting our Water Resources

Start Date

01/09/2006

Initial Projected Completion Date

n/a