Pilot-scale phosphate recovery with biosolids biochar: Performance, phosphorus bioavailability and biochar quality assessment
Abstract
Phosphorus (P) recovery from wastewater using biochar made from biosolids represents a promising solution to improve P circularity not only in the water sector but more broadly. This study provides a ‘proof the concept’ for a pilot scale P recovery system based on P adsorption onto biosolids biochar (SSB-O). The generated P-loaded biochar is then assessed in terms of P bioavailability and for its quality (given its potential to be applied to soil). The pilot trial explored the SSB-O's capacity to remove phosphate (PO 4 3− -P) from final wastewater effluent at environmentally relevant levels, whilst meeting stringent discharge limits for P as per the revised EU Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive (
Fields of Study & Subjects
Phosphorus and nutrient management
Soil and Water Nutrient Dynamics
Coagulation and Flocculation Studies
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Separation and Purification Technology
- Publisher
- Elsevier BV
- Volume
- 395
- Pages
- 137760–137760
- Publication date
- 28 March 2026
- Language
- EN