Phosphorous in the environment: characteristics with distribution and effects, removal mechanisms, treatment technologies, and factors affecting recovery as minerals in natural and engineered systems

Hossain M. Azam, Seemi Tasnim Alam, Mahmudul Hasan, Djigui David Stéphane Yameogo, Arvind Damodara Kannan, Arifur Rahman, Man Jae Kwon

    Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

    98 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Phosphorus (P), an essential element for living cells, is present in different soluble and adsorbed chemical forms found in soil, sediment, and water. Most species are generally immobile and easily adsorbed onto soil particles. However, P is a major concern owing to its serious environmental effects (e.g., eutrophication, scale formation) when found in excess in natural or engineered environments. Commercial chemicals, fertilizers, sewage effluent, animal manure, and agricultural waste are the major sources of P pollution. But there is limited P resources worldwide. Therefore, the fate, effects, and transport of P in association with its removal, treatment, and recycling in natural and engineered systems are important. P removal and recycling technologies utilize different types of physical, biological, and chemical processes. Moreover, P minerals (struvite, vivianite, etc.) can precipitate and form scales in drinking water and wastewater systems. Hence, P minerals (e.g., struvite, vivianite etc.) are problems when left uncontrolled and unmonitored although their recovery is beneficial (e.g., slow release fertilizers, sustainable P sources, soil enhancers). Sources like wastewater, human waste, waste nutrient solution, etc. can be used for P recycling. This review paper extensively summarizes the importance and distribution of P in different environmental compartments, the effects of P in natural and engineered systems, P removal mechanisms through treatment, and recycling technologies specially focusing on various types of phosphate mineral precipitation. In particular, the factors controlling mineral (e.g., struvite and vivianite) precipitation in natural and engineered systems are also discussed.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)20183-20207
    Number of pages25
    JournalEnvironmental Science and Pollution Research
    Volume26
    Issue number20
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2019 Jul 1

    Bibliographical note

    Publisher Copyright:
    © 2019, Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.

    Keywords

    • Mineral precipitation
    • Mineral recycling
    • Phosphorus removal
    • Struvite
    • Vivianite

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • Environmental Chemistry
    • Pollution
    • Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis

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