Testbed for phosphorus recycing from wastewater, sludge and ashes

Purpose and goal

The aim of this planning project was to investigate the interest, need and potential of a test bed for phosphorus recovery from wastewater to arable land as well as planning for the realization phase. A test bed arena will be well positioned in the international challenge to find sustainable system solutions for nutrient recycling. The idea of a combination of physical test environments and independent evaluation has created interest among all stakeholders: wastewater utilities, technology suppliers, entrepreneurs, agricultural representatives and governmental agencies.

Expected results and effects

The overall aim is to contribute to sustainable phosphorus management, supporting i.a. the environmental quality objectives: “A Non-Toxic Environment", “Zero Eutrophication” and “A Good Built Environment", by increasing the wastewater utilities knowledge about the existing phosphorus recovery processes, based on local and regional conditions and providing decision support for upcoming investments in system wide nutrient recovery solutions. The testbed arena will ensure that attractive and safe phosphorus products reach arable land in Sweden in a circular economy.

Planned approach and implementation

This initial phase has fulfilled the project plan by the following activities: investigation of the current world-wide situation, needs analysis, inventory, build partner consortium, business model draft and implementation draft for the realization phase. Through group meetings, participation in conferences and a significant number of interviews with identified key stakeholders, the initial project idea has been developed. A smaller project group with RISE, wastewater utilities and technology suppliers are now developing the project application for the next phase.