New breakthrough in sustainable ultra-efficient treatment technology for mainstream municipal wastewater

In the pursuit of global wastewater recycling and sustainable reuse, nutrient removal from wastewater has emerged as a paramount challenge. Traditional methodologies for nitrogen and phosphorus removal, while effective to some degree, are often constrained by high energy consumption, operational intricacies, and substantial environmental impacts. As the world strives towards net-zero emissions targets, it becomes increasingly imperative to develop innovative solutions that not only mitigate these constraints but also enhance the efficiency and sustainability of wastewater treatment processes.
This study, published in Nature Water, presents itself against this backdrop devised, developing a novel floc management strategy that integrates anammox and enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR) processes in a single-stage hybrid system (biofilms and flocs). This integrated approach not only resolves the conflicts between anammox and EBPR processes regarding ecological niche and solid retention time but also achieves ultra-efficient nutrient removal, making it a significant step towards sustainable wastewater treatment.
Superiority of floc management strategies!
Our research team has successfully developed a floc management strategy that seamlessly integrates anammox and EBPR processes in a single-stage hybrid system. This innovative approach has enabled ultra-efficient nitrogen and phosphorus removal efficiencies of 97.7 ± 1.3% and 97.4 ± 0.7%, respectively, in low-carbon municipal wastewater treatment. This represents a significant leap forward in addressing the limitations of traditional nutrient removal methods.
Notably, our system harnessed the substrate competition between anammox and endogenous denitrification (both nitrite and nitrate) with the loss of flocs, leading to a remarkable enrichment of anammox bacteria in biofilms (reaching 12.5%) under mainstream conditions. Additionally, by meticulously controlling floc concentrations at approximately 1,000 mg l−1, we managed to maintain low polyphosphate levels in flocs, effectively mitigating the additional phosphorus removal burden typically imposed by the enrichment of phosphorus-accumulating organisms in biofilms.
Why This Matters?
In the context of global efforts towards net-zero emissions, this research offers a transformative solution to a long-standing challenge in wastewater treatment. By integrating anammox and EBPR in a single-stage hybrid system, we have paved the way for more sustainable and energy-efficient nutrient removal. This innovation not only reduces the operational complexity and environmental footprint of traditional nutrient removal methods but also aligns with the broader objective of achieving circular water economies. As countries and cities strive to become more resilient and sustainable, our research provides a crucial tool in the arsenal against nutrient pollution and supports the broader ambition of achieving net-zero emissions across the water sector.
Divergent Thinking!
As we stand on the cusp of this revolutionary breakthrough, we invite our readers to consider the broader implications of our findings. How can this innovation be scaled and implemented to maximize its impact on global wastewater treatment and recycling efforts? What additional research is needed to further refine and optimize this single-stage hybrid system for diverse wastewater streams and conditions? We encourage a collaborative dialogue among policymakers, researchers, and practitioners to harness the full potential of this transformative solution and accelerate the transition to a more sustainable and energy-efficient future.
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Nature Water
This journal publishes research on the evolving relationship between society and water resources on a monthly basis. It covers the natural sciences, engineering, and social sciences, with a particular interest in regards to interdisciplinary research.
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