THE MAGAZINE FOR THE DRAINAGE, WATER & WASTEWATER INDUSTRIES
EDITOR’S CHOICE
attract phosphorus to their surface. As with natural coagulants, opportunities to use reactive media are growing, as more materials become available.
Southern Water and the University of Portsmouth led research into seven new reactive materials, including cockleshell and catalytic carbon.
The trials took place at the university’s innovation hub at Petersfield WwTW in Hampshire, and at West Marden WwTW in West Sussex, using a mobile testing
unit.Some promising results achieved very low phosphorus levels, particularly from Phosflow pellets, which are made from naturally occurring minerals.
United Utilities’ Chief Engineer - Innovation and Carbon, Lisa Mansell, said: “The ALT-P project has achieved fantastic outcomes, which can directly support the water sector’s drive to embed more sustainable treatment processes.
“Thanks to the levels of research undertaken, we have a greater understanding of the potential for alternative methods of phosphorus removal, the levels of operational input required, how much power is needed, the ideal site characteristics and what residual risks remain with the different technologies.
“With our project nearing completion, water companies have a package of evidence-based findings to inform designs of new
chemical-free treatment systems. These innovative approaches will increase resilience, deliver financial and carbon savings and help maintain compliance, which will ultimately mean a cleaner environment.”
Future pilot projects to expand on findings and scope out the potential for widespread adoption are now being planned. Industry guidance for reactive media has also been written by the project team and is due to be published by the end of 2024.
Excess phosphorus is one of the biggest causes of water quality problems. Ever-tightening regulation in England and Wales is driving investment in AMP8. UK water companies currently spend in the region of £39 million a year on metal- based chemicals to remove phosphorous, with both demand and prices rising.
Chemical processes pose a particular challenge for small, rural sites, which have higher relative investment needs for phosphorus removal and limitations in terms of site footprint, transport logistics and community impact.
The ALT-P project resources, including the full recording of ALT-P Day and interviews with project leads and partners, are now available on the Spring platform. The final project reports and dissemination toolbox will be released soon. Log in or register to the platform here to access all resources.
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