From Nutrient Removal to Recovery

Nutrient removal has become a central element in wastewater treatment in the developed world, but nitrogen, phosphorus and sulphur removal requires relatively large amounts of resources (energy and chemicals). Most techniques currently applied do not allow for proper recovery of finite minerals, which are often disposed of. Yet wastewater and solid waste treatment can only be really sustainable if they are based on an overall minimisation of resource consumption, in which energy consumption and nutrient recovery are taken into account. This implies adaptation of the presently available technologies as well as the complete re-design of wastewater and solid waste collection and treatment scenarios. The conference "From nutrient removal to recovery" gave an overview of the current situation with relation to improved nutrient removal and/or recovery technologies, and their applications for both industrial and municipal wastewater. From the high-quality programme 26 papers have been selected for these proceedings, covering fundamental concepts and opinions on nutrient removal strategies (including consumer attitudes); optimisation of biological nutrient removal techniques; treatment of source-separated municipal wastes; recovery and recycling of minerals from sewage and agriculture; and industrial waste removal and recovery. As an authoritative summary of the latest innovations in nutrient removal and recovery these proceedings will prove an invaluable resource for research scientists, engineers and policy-makers involved in municipal and industrial wastewater treatment.