3rd UF Water Institute Symposium Abstract

   
Submitter's Name Hugo Sindelar
Session Name Posters - Innovative Biological, Physical, and Chemical Nutrient Reduction & Recovery Technologies
Category Innovative biological, physical, and chemical nutrient reduction & recovery technologies
Poster Number 25
 
Author(s) Hugo Sindelar,  University of Florida (Presenting Author)
  Treavor Boyer,  University of Florida
  Mark Brown, University of Florida
   
  Evaluating Advanced Oxidation Processes for the Transformation of Organic Phosphorus into Biologically Labile Compounds
   
  Phosphorus (P) remains a primary pollutant in natural waterways. Phosphorus in agricultural and residential fertilizers, cattle feed, and reclaimed water, eventually finds its way into surface waters. Excessive P loads can cause eutrophic or hyper-eutrophic conditions in surface waters or significantly alter the ecosystem’s nutrient balance. This latter phenomenon has been documented in the Florida Everglades, where high P loads promoted the growth of Typha latifola (cattail) at the expense of previously abundant Cladium jamaicense (sawgrass). Accordingly, the main objective of this research is to develop an innovative combination of chemical and biological treatments for P removal from surface waters. The research will focus on understanding the P processes within algae scrubbers and developing treatment technologies that will enhance their P uptake. Three specific objectives are being explored: (1) using advanced oxidation processes to transform organic and particulate P to more biologically labile compounds; (2) understanding Ca-P co-precipitation and natural organic matter interactions within algae scrubbers; (3) testing different operating conditions and potential chemical amendments to maximize algae scrubber P uptake. Data for Objective 1, using hydrogen peroxide + UV, sodium percarbonate + UV, and sodium perborate + UV, showed conversion (20-100%) of both dissolved organic P and particulate P to more biologically available, soluble reactive P. This presentation will highlight results for Objective 1 in the context of the larger research project aimed at increasing P uptake from algae scrubbers.