E. Desmidt, K. Ghyselbrecht, Yang Zhang
Feb 16, 2015
Citations
28
Influential Citations
531
Citations
Quality indicators
Journal
Critical Reviews in Environmental Science and Technology
Abstract
Phosphorus (P) is an essential element for all life on earth. However, natural P resources (phosphate rock) are depleting. The authors describe the current situation and a forecast for future phosphate production and reserves. The current depletion of phosphate reserves and the increasingly stringent discharge regulations have led to the development of various P-recovery techniques from wastewater. Existing full-scale P-recovery techniques from the liquid phase, sludge phase, and sludge ash are reviewed. Although the full-scale P-recovery techniques have been shown to be technologically feasible, the economical feasibility, legislation and national policies are the major reasons why these techniques are not yet operational worldwide.