In the quest for sustainable development, researchers are increasingly looking at wastewater not as a problem, but as a resource. Nguyen Thi My Hanh, a researcher at Hanoi Architectural University, Viet Nam, is at the forefront of this movement. Her recent work, published in Desalination and Water Treatment, explores how ammonium, a valuable nutrient, can be recovered from domestic wastewater, contributing to a circular economy.
Ammonium, a form of nitrogen, is a significant pollutant in wastewater. It can lead to eutrophication, a process where excessive nutrients cause algal blooms, depleting oxygen and harming aquatic life. However, ammonium is also a vital nutrient for plant growth, making it a valuable resource if recovered properly. Hanh’s research delves into various methods to achieve this, from traditional techniques like air stripping to innovative approaches using microalgae and photosynthetic bacteria.
“Instead of just removing ammonium from wastewater, we should consider recovering it,” Hanh asserts. “This not only reduces pollution but also creates a valuable resource that can be used in agriculture or other industries.”
The implications for the energy sector are significant. Traditional wastewater treatment processes are energy-intensive, often requiring large amounts of electricity to power aeration systems and other equipment. By recovering ammonium, treatment plants could potentially reduce their energy consumption and even generate revenue by selling the recovered nutrient.
The methods explored in Hanh’s research offer a range of possibilities. Air stripping, for instance, is a well-established technique that uses air to remove ammonium from wastewater. However, it requires significant energy and can lead to secondary pollution if not managed properly. On the other hand, biological methods using microalgae or photosynthetic bacteria are more sustainable but are still in the early stages of development.
“Each method has its own advantages and challenges,” Hanh explains. “The key is to find the right balance between efficiency, cost, and environmental impact.”
The potential for commercialization is vast. Companies could develop technologies to recover ammonium from wastewater on a large scale, creating a new revenue stream while also reducing their environmental footprint. This could lead to a shift in the wastewater treatment industry, moving away from traditional ‘end-of-pipe’ solutions towards more integrated, circular approaches.
Hanh’s work, published in Desalination and Water Treatment, which translates to ‘Desalination and Water Treatment’, is a significant step in this direction. It provides a comprehensive overview of current ammonium recovery methods, their mechanisms, and their prospects for application. As the world moves towards a more sustainable future, research like this will be crucial in shaping the developments in the field.
