Characterization and recovery of phosphorus from wastewater by combined technologies

Phosphorus is a critical element in agriculture because of its role in fertilizing fields. Thus, and due to sewage discharges, phosphorus is also present in aquatic ecosystems, causing eutrophication. Phosphorus can be found in inorganic and organic forms. One solution to phosphorus-related conflicts is the application of technologies for the recovery of phosphorus from wastewater and its possible reuse. However, existing technologies are focused on the elimination/recovery of inorganic phosphorus, while technologies based on combined mechanisms have demonstrated greater efficiency in the treatment of different forms of phosphorus and its recovery. This article reviews the operational factors of the different technologies based on the physical, chemical and biological mechanisms of phosphorus recovery. Emerging combined technologies that have been able to maximize the recovery of organic and inorganic phosphorus from different wastewater streams are also reviewed. Thus, the forms of phosphorus must be understood for the appropriate technology for the recovery different forms of P in wastewater discharges to be chosen, providing environmental protection to aquatic ecosystems.