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Phosphate By the Numbers:

1 million+ – the anticipated dollar amount companies can expect to spend to remove phosphorus
893 – major treatment facilities with limits for phosphorus
30 – types of phosphorus species that can be present in your waste stream
27– the number of states currently regulating your waste stream
10 – the number of years until all 50 states will have phosphorous discharge limits in place
0.1 – mg/L total phosphorus that can be achieved with AquaPure chemistry

These are the numbers that concern manufacturers involved with pre-treatment, anodizing, accelerated mass finishing and phosphate coatings.

The Old & The New

Whether it is a tried and true method of removing phosphorus or something a little more innovative – AquaPure® experts can help you determine which process approach is best for your business.

The Old

Chemical precipitation with calcium, aluminum and iron has historically been the go-to method for phosphorus removal in the metal finishing world. Each coagulant is not without draw-backs however. Calcium, when overdosed, can cause the phosphorus to go back into solution, leaving higher than expected numbers in the waste stream. Residual aluminum in wastewater is becoming a concern for our waterways with the EPA issuing new standards for monitoring aluminum. Iron can triple the amount of sludge generated from phosphorus removal efforts.

The New

On the cutting edge of treating waste water streams is rare earth elements. These provide a 1 to 1 atomic relationship with the phosphorus and also produce less sludge. Rare earth chemistry offers low dose rates, high removal capacity, with a friendly pH of 3-4 and a safe working environment.  Additionally, there are no equipment changes or capital expenditure costs associated with rare earth chemistry.

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The impact phosphates are having on the discharge from finishing operations

The impact phosphates are having on the discharge from finishing operations

Phosphate conversion coatings on metals are used to impart corrosion resistance and lubricity, or to serve as a base layer for subsequent coatings, such as paints, dyes and more. Accordingly, phosphates in process wastewater can produce serious problems in the environment, the most harmful being eutrophication, which is caused by excessive phosphorus in water.

How can finishing operations help remove this impact? Read our white paper to find out more.


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In The News

    • Minnesota Publishes its Nutrient Reduction Strategy 5-Year Progress Report
    • USDA Announces 2021 Priority Watersheds for Water Quality. (Does your wastewater go to one of the priority watersheds?)
    • 41st Ramsar Site-Lower Wisconsin Riverway Receives International Recognition

Want to learn more?
Find out the latest in wastewater treatment news/happenings and what can be impacting you in the future.

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