Severn Trent has begun using new phosphorous removal technology at its sewage treatment sites, following a series of trials.
Six new methods were evaluated to find the most effective way of reducing the element in waste water, in order to comply with new regulations.
The tests included the first use of a nano-particle embedded ion exchange and algal bioreactor, as developed by Cranfield University, along with membrane filtration, pile cloth media filtration, ballasted coagulation and clarification, and absorption reed beds.
Pile cloth media filtration is now being used at three sites, with four more planned for the near future. Ballasted coagulation and clarification is also due to be installed at two further sites.
Severn Trent said they will be investing around £120 million for additional phosphorous removal in the AMP six timeframe, which runs from 2015 to 2020.
“New legislation in the Water Framework Directive requires us to meet much tighter phosphorous limits than we have in the past, that’s why we’ve been trialling these new types of technology,” said Severn Trent’s Pete Vale.
“During the trials, we’ve been using some really state-of-the-art techniques to understand which technology will work for our sewage treatment sites,” he added.
The trials carried out by Trent Water’s Innovation team earned them a nomination for Utility Week’s Star Award for innovation.
“This is just the beginning of the journey and we’ll be continuing this research to improve our phosphorous removing techniques and provide us with a more sustainable future,” said Vale.