Tomato plant root/CMC method for the removal and recovery of phosphate from agricultural wastewater

Session: Beyond the Edge of the Field: Mitigating the Impacts of Nutrient Pollution on HABs (2)

David Ure, University of Windsor, [email protected]
Angela Awada, University of Windsor, [email protected]
Nicole Frowley , University of Windsor, [email protected]
Neils Munk, Bruce Peninsuila Biosphere Association , [email protected]
Amanda Stanger, Bruce Peninsuila Biosphere Association, [email protected]
Bulent Mutus, University of Windsor, [email protected]

Abstract

Phosphate (P) is a biologically important compound that is commonly incorporated into fertilizers. Wastewater from agricultural processes results in excessive accumulation of P and eutrophication of lakes. We have developed a system for the remediation, recovery, and potential reuse of P from agricultural wastewater using tomato plant roots (roots) as a capture matrix and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) as an eluent and enhancer of P precipitation. Untreated roots can bind up to 55.2?±?15.2 grams of P per kilogram (g/kg) of roots in comparison to the maximum 8.2?±?1.5?g/kg bound by the previously used iron-chitosan (Fe-chito). The addition of CMC enhances the precipitation of P with a clearance of 97.2% as opposed to 33.3% without CMC. On site tests show an average removal of 226.5??g/L per day or a total of ?28?g of P removed after 23 days. This corresponds to a 71% P removal rate.