What is the end goal of nutrient recovery in sewage treatment?

The end goal of nutrient recovery in sewage treatment is to promote sustainable nutrient management. This process involves capturing valuable nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, from wastewater and reusing them as fertilizers or soil amendments in agriculture. By recovering these nutrients, facilities can reduce the environmental impact of wastewater discharge and contribute to a circular economy where resources are reused rather than wasted.

This approach addresses multiple environmental concerns, including nutrient pollution in water bodies, which can lead to issues such as algal blooms and degradation of aquatic ecosystems. Furthermore, nutrient recovery supports food production sustainability by providing a resource that can enhance soil fertility without the need for synthetic fertilizers, which often come with high environmental costs in terms of production and application.

Thus, promoting sustainable nutrient management through nutrient recovery aligns with modern environmental practices and the push towards more responsible waste management strategies.