Phosphate recovery from animal manure wastewater by struvite crystallization and CO2 degasification reactor

The problem of phosphorus discharge is related to environmental protection and food security. Struvite crystallization is a useful technology for phosphate recovery from wastewater. In the research, struvite crystallization process with CO₂ degasification continuous U-shape reactor (CUSR) was application for phosphate recovery from animal manure wastewater. The result indicated PO₄^3--P recovery ratio could achieve 47-53% without magnesium addition when CUSR hydraulic retention time controlled at 60 min. With extra magnesium addition, PO₄^3--P recovery ratio could significant achieve 80-86% at magnesium addition amount 57.5 mg/dm³. PHREEQC modeling predictions trend of struvite crystallization was close to CUSR experimental results. The modeling calculation can provide a theoretical guide for operational parameters design. For seeding technology, high phosphate recovery efficiency was obtained and preformed struvite was the most effective seeding material. Surface characterization analysis demonstrated the dominant composition of chemical solids was struvite. Water extraction analysis indicated chemical solids recovery from animal manure wastewater could release PO₄^3--P slowly and be available as slow-release fertilizer.