Revolutionizing Wastewater Treatment: Cutting-Edge Technologies for Biological Nutrient Removal

Nutrient removal is crucial in wastewater treatment to counter the negative environmental impacts of excessive nitrogen and phosphorus. From various sources, such as domestic, industrial, and agricultural activities, nutrient pollution poses a significant threat to aquatic systems, necessitating removing nutrients from wastewater. Several pioneering processes have revolutionised wastewater treatment, and this chapter provides a comprehensive overview of advanced technologies for biologically removing nitrogen and phosphorus. It discusses conventional nutrient removal systems based on nitrification and denitrification, followed by advanced nitrogen removal technologies, including simultaneous nitrification, denitrification, phosphorus removal (SNDPR), shortcut nitrogen removal, and post-denitrification technologies. The subsequent sections discuss high-rate, full-scale systems integrating various treatment processes for efficient nutrient removal. Examples include granular biomass systems and biofilm-based treatment systems. These systems provide enhanced nutrient removal capabilities and offer advantages like compactness, high treatment efficiency, and flexibility. The chapter also highlights microalgae-based nutrient removal, emphasising its potential for sustainable nutrient removal and bioenergy production while addressing associated benefits and challenges. Finally, the challenges related to nutrient removal technologies are listed to advance the research and strategies to overcome it. Overall, these pioneering nutrient removal processes have greatly enhanced wastewater treatment, minimising nutrient discharge, preserving water quality and ecosystems, and promoting sustainable development in wastewater management. Further innovation and research in nutrient removal technologies will enhance their effectiveness, contributing to a cleaner and healthier environment.