Phosphorus recycling from sewage sludge ash

Phosphorus is a globally critical raw material essential not only for food production but also for a wide range of industrial applications. However, its increasing scarcity and the growing environmental concerns associated with its extraction and disposal necessitate innovative recycling solutions. One promising but underutilized source of phosphorus is sewage sludge ash, a byproduct of wastewater treatment. Implementing efficient processes to recover phosphorus from sewage sludge not only contributes to the circular economy but also reduces the amount of waste that has to be disposed of in landfills. Therefore, the development of an advanced reactor concept for phosphorus recycling is essential. 

The design of such a reactor system relies on sophisticated mathematical models that simulate various aspects of the phosphorus recycling process. These models account for key factors such as gas-solid reaction dynamics, heat and mass transfer mechanisms, which enables the systematic evaluation of reactor behavior and the identification of optimal operating conditions for a pilot-scale plant. The developed mathematical models will be validated through experimental data and will provide a robust foundation for scaling up the technology from pilot-scale to industrial application.

This project aims to make a significant contribution to sustainable phosphorus management by developing an efficient and scalable technology for phosphorus recovery from alternative resources. This should improve resource security and support environmentally friendly practices both in municipal wastewater treatment and throughout the phosphorus supply chain.