What approach is commonly used for nutrient removal in wastewater treatment?

Biological nutrient removal (BNR) is a widely accepted approach for removing nutrients, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus, from wastewater in treatment facilities. This process leverages the capabilities of microorganisms to uptake and convert nutrients into biomass, which can then be separated from the treated effluent. During BNR, specifically designed biological processes such as nitrification and denitrification are employed to manage the nitrogen cycle, while phosphorus removal often involves enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR) techniques.

The effectiveness of BNR lies in its ability to achieve significant nutrient reductions while utilizing organic matter present in the wastewater as a food source for the microorganisms. This not only ensures nutrient compliance with environmental regulations but also promotes a more sustainable and cost-effective treatment process compared to purely chemical methods.

In contrast, physical filtration primarily targets suspended solids and does not effectively address nutrient removal. Chemical precipitation involves adding chemicals to the wastewater to agglomerate and remove nutrients, but this approach can lead to increased operational costs and the generation of additional sludge. Ultraviolet disinfection is designed to deactivate pathogens and does not play a role in nutrient removal. Thus, biological nutrient removal stands out as a suitable and efficient method for nutrient management in wastewater treatment systems.