Phosphorus reduction levels exceeded in UK wastewater trial

The success of a 12-week trial of a filtration technology at a United Kingdom wastewater treatment plant demonstrates that the system can help sites meet challenging phosphorus consents.

The Flocell XFM40 modular filtration system was installed at a rural water utility wastewater treatment plant (WwTP) in England and has demonstrated a reduction in phosphorus levels to as low as 0.04 milligrams per litre.

The technology, first developed for the aquatic market, can be tailored and scaled to individual site requirements.

Wastewater utilities face ongoing challenges in identifying suitable phosphorus solutions in an environment of budgetary constraints and discharge consents. In addition, population growth, including in rural and semi-rural areas, means an increase in the volume of pollutants entering wastewater treatment systems.

High levels of phosphorus entering water bodies can cause eutrophication, leading to algal blooms, oxygen depletion, and loss of aquatic life.

Before the UK trial, the WwTP experienced ongoing challenges in meeting a new expected phosphorus consent of 0.25 milligrams per litre in its Asset Management Period (AMP) 8.

After 12 weeks with the filtration system, the WwTP achieve phosphorus removal levels as low as 0.04 milligrams per litre, exceeding the target of 0.25.

Flocell is a business division of Evolution Aqua. The group partnered with water treatment specialist WCSEE to modify the Flocell XFM technology for the trial.

The WCSEE team undertook in-depth particle size and thermogravimetric total suspended solids (TSS) analysis during the trial by obtaining more than 1000 individual samples.

WCSEE and Evolution Aqua were on site throughout the trial and worked closely with utility managers to run the new plant.

The Flocell XFM modular filtration system is a proven technology in the aquatic sector and has been deployed for more than two decades. Evolution Aqua is building on that expertise in partnership with WCSEE to expand impact in the wastewater treatment market.

Andrew Baird, Technical Director at WCSEE said the trial and working with Evolution Aqua has been rewarding.

“Helping the utility not only meet, but exceed its phosphorus consent, is further proof that the technology can be a trusted addition to many wastewater treatment plants, especially smaller sites in rural areas,” said Baird.

Gavin Haywood, Director at Evolution Aqua said the team were impressed with the operational capabilities of the system.

“Achieving these results, while maintaining over 99.9 per cent water use efficiency, removes the need for backwash tanks and associated infrastructure,” said Haywood.

For more information, visit: www.wcs-group.co.uk/