Background

WERF’s research project aims to develop technology to control nuisance formation of struvite in wastewater treatment systems by using waste carbon dioxide (CO2) generated in anaerobic digesters.  The objective is to prevent struvite precipitation by lowering solution pH using waste CO2.  This is an innovative and sustainable use of CO2 that would normally be released to the atmosphere as a greenhouse gas. 
 
Upon completion, this research would provide a definitive answer on the feasibility of using a waste CO2 to control struvite formation and will provide a protocol for rapid screening of applicability of this innovation to other Water Resource Recovery Facilities (WRFs).

Struvite formation is primarily a water chemistry phenomenon and chemical characteristics of dewatered centrates or filtrates from anaerobically digested sludge may differ by location. Therefore, participation by multiple wastewater treatment agencies is encouraged.  The level of effort requested from each participant will be modest and returns may be significant for our industry. If you have any questions regarding this project please contact Christine H. Radke, Project Manager at (571) 384-2106
 
If you would take a moment and answer just a few questions that follow, your responses will be helpful to gauge interest and compile an inventory of potential partners for which a more detailed survey will follow.

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* 1. Does your facility Currently observe struvite formation with or without chemical addition, such as ferric chloride?

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* 2. How would you characterize the level of struvite formation in your facility if allowed to form?

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* 3. Assuming your facility experiences struvite formation issues, would you be willing to provide a sample to help better characterize water chemistry related interactions? (2 liter of sample)

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* 4. If you are willing to assist, please provide a suitable point of contact.

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