Nutrient Management
Nutrient reduction specifically phosphorous can be achieved chemically or biologically. In the chemical option phosphorous is precipitated by reaction with a metal group typically alum (aluminium sulphate) forming sludges that are subsequently removed mechanically.
The alternative and preferred phosphorus reduction method is biological absorbtion by active bacteria. Increasing the bacterial population proportionately increases the rate of nutirent uptake. MBR’s have a larger bacteria population than other processes with the ability to absorb +85% available phosphorous.
Plants also take up phosphorous and nitrogen; in industrial applications reed beds are constructed to increase the phosphorous uptake post biological action. A good example is Cape Mentelle Winery that combines anaerobic/aeration lagoons with reed beds, ability to take up 95%+ of available phosphorous. Unfortunately constructed wetlands have minimal application to domestic operations as land requirements are large and permits difficult to obtain
All systems supplied by TMC are nutrient reducing, the degree of reduction varies depending on the technology employed. TMC will advise on the appropiate technology to suit the site.
