Research Area: Resource Recovery

Our Objective

Transition the wastewater treatment industry to one focused on resource recovery (starting with nutrients) with the vision that most, if not all, materials in wastewater can be commoditized. Wastewater is a renewable resource. Get the related report.

 		                

 

Latest News

European Sustainable Phosphorus Platform - November 2016 SCOPE Newsletter
Highlighted news topics include new policy proposals, phosphorus research updates, and upcoming events.
Understanding the Impacts of Low-Energy and Low-Carbon Nitrogen Removal Technologies on Bio-P and Nutrient Recovery Processes (NTRY13R16)
WE&RF has awarded a contract to Northwestern University to study design and operational impacts of incorporating enhanced biological phosphorus removal (Bio-P) or other phosphorus recovery techniques with a low-energy, low-carbon nitrogen removal process at WRRFs.
Unintended Consequences of Resource Recovery on Overall Plant Performance: Solving the Impacts on Dewaterability Properties (NTRY12R16)
In order to assure the viability of Bio-P, WE&RF has entered into a contract with Bucknell University to determine if this phenomenon is more widespread, and to better understand and address dewaterability performance and its impact on Bio-P and P-recovery.
White Paper on Groundwater Replenishment with Recycled Water on Agricultural Lands (Reuse-16-03)
WE&RF has selected RMC Water and Environment to draft a White Paper that will investigate various aspects of existing regulatory frameworks as they may be applied to groundwater replenishment with recycled water on agricultural lands (Ag-GWR-RW) and consider alternative methods to meet the intent of those regulations.
Resiliency Newsletter
Learn more about the latest research updates, innovations, and opportunities to participate in WE&RF's Resiliency research.

Products & Tools

Beyond Nutrients: Recovering Carbon and Other Commodity Products from Wastewater (NTRY3R13)
Evaluates the feasibility of recovering non-nutrient commodity product categories including volatile fatty acids (VFAs), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), alcohols, and the inorganic products hydrogen peroxide and caustic (sodium hydroxide) from wastewater.
A Blueprint for High-Tech Analysis of Low-Tech Methods for Sustainable Class A Biosolids Production: Phase 1 (NTRY11T15)
This research provides a blueprint for WRRFs interested in evaluating LCLT Class A biosolids treatment methods at the pilot scale and provides sampling parameters including the type of container to use, preservation, and maximum holding times.
Producing Value-Added Biopolymer from Methane Gas Generated by Water Resource Recovery Facilities (NTRY5R14)
This project explored optimal integration of biopolymer production and water resource recovery facility (WRRF) processes.
Towards a Renewable Future: Assessing Resource Recovery as a Viable Treatment Alternative – Innovative Approaches for Performing Extractive Nutrient Recovery (NTRY1R12c)
This project presents findings from research aimed at enhancing recovery of nutrient products from water resource recovery facilities.
High Quality Biosolids and the Power of Social Media
A new webinar held on December 15, 2016 gave examples of how social media and branding have been used to successfully promote biosolids. Videos including DC Water’s Bloom and King County’s Loop were featured.