Why is nutrient recovery important in sewage treatment?

Nutrient recovery is critical in sewage treatment because it directly addresses the issue of nutrient pollution in water bodies. When sewage is treated, it often contains high levels of nutrients, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus. If these nutrients are not properly managed, they can lead to harmful algal blooms in lakes, rivers, and coastal waters. These blooms deplete oxygen in the water, resulting in dead zones that are detrimental to aquatic life.

By recovering nutrients during the sewage treatment process, facilities can prevent these nutrients from being released back into the environment, thus mitigating potential pollution issues. Moreover, recovered nutrients can be repurposed as fertilizers, thereby creating a circular economy and enhancing sustainability in agricultural practices. This approach not only protects ecosystems but also adds value to sewage treatment processes by producing beneficial products from what would otherwise be waste.