Removal of phosphorus from wastewater using ferroxysorb sorption media produced from amd sludge
By: P.L. Sibrell, T.W. Tucker, T. Kehler, and J.W. Fletcher
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Abstract
Treatment of acid mine drainage (AMD), whether with lime, limestone, caustic or simple aeration, nearly always results in generation of a metal hydroxide sludge. Disposal of the sludge often constitutes a significant fraction of the operating cost for the AMD treatment plant. Research at the USGS - Leetown Science Center has shown that AMD sludge, with its high content of aluminum and iron oxides, has a high affinity of phosphorus (P). Anthropogenic sources of P are associated with eutrophication and degradation of aquatic environments, resulting in anoxic dead zones in certain sensitive waterways. In this paper, we describe a method of converting the AMD sludge from a liability into an asset - Ferroxysorb P removal media - which can be used to remove excess P from wastewater. Three different Ferroxysorb media samples were produced from differing AMD sources and tested for P removal. Adsorption isotherms confirmed that the media had a high sorption capacity for P, as high as 19,000 mg/kg. The technology was demonstrated at an active fish hatchery, where the media remained in service for over three months without stripping or regeneration. Over that period of time, the calculated P removal was 50%, even at a very low influent P concentration of 60 parts per billion. In summary, use of the AMD-derived Ferroxysorb sorption media will reduce AMD treatment costs while at the same time helping to resolve the pressing environmental issue of eutrophication and degradation of sensitive waterways.
| Publication type | Conference Paper |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Conference Paper |
| Title | Removal of phosphorus from wastewater using ferroxysorb sorption media produced from amd sludge |
| ISBN | 9780873352666 |
| Year Published | 2008 |
| Language | English |
| Larger Work Title | Hydrometallurgy 2008: Proceedings of the 6th International Symposium |
| First page | 86 |
| Last page | 92 |
| Conference Title | Hydrometallurgy 2008: 6th International Symposium |
| Conference Location | Phoenix, AZ |
| Conference Date | 17 August 2008 through 21 August 2008 |
| Google Analytic Metrics | Metrics page |