Tag: phosphorus recovery

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Co-recovery of phosphorus from manure using acid precursors contained in other wastes.

Purpose

A new approach for recovering nutrients and value-added products from waste is to search for a synergistic effect by combining two or more wastes.  This work improved the recovery of phosphorus and proteins/amino acids abundant in swine manure by adding a second waste or product rich in sugars, such as molasses, fruit waste, or lactose waste.  The second waste rich in sugars acted as a natural acid generator that replaced purchased acids and lowered the overall recovery cost.

What Did We Do?

A new approach was developed to separate and recover concentrated phosphorus and proteins from animal waste (Vanotti and Szogi, 2019).  It was improved by adding a second waste or product containing sugars, such as molasses and fruit waste (Vanotti et al., 2020).  They could be used as a natural acid precursor that replaces purchased acids and lowers the overall cost of phosphorus and protein recovery.  In this study, the two model wastes were swine manure solids (source of extractable phosphorus and proteins) and peach waste (source of acid precursors).

What Have We Learned?

On a dry-weight basis, the swine manure solids contained high amounts of proteins (15.2%) and phosphorus (2.9%) available for extraction. It was shown that waste peaches, an abundant waste in the Southeastern USA with no cost except transportation, contain about 8% total sugars and can be used as an acid precursor to effectively extract phosphorus and proteins from swine manure (waste peaches were peaches that were too soft, had bad spots, or did otherwise not meet the grade at the Processing Plant for sale as fresh fruit). The waste peaches (Brix 7.7 deg) were added to the manure, and the combo received rapid fermentation (24-h) after adding an inoculum (Vanotti et al., 2020).  Adding fruit waste to the manure and rapid fermentation produced abundant natural acids – lactic acid, citric acid, and malic acid – that effectively solubilized the phosphorus in the manure (Fig. 1).  Further, the peach fermentation did not adversely affect the protein recovery from the manure.  A pH of about five or less is a valuable target to optimize the phosphorus and protein recovery from manure.  The target was successfully met using a variety of natural acid precursors (fructose, molasses, peaches, lactose). The phosphorus was precipitated with calcium or magnesium compounds, obtaining concentrated phosphate products with > 90% plant-available phosphorus. The proteins/amino acids in the manure were quantitatively recovered. Other fruits, vegetables, and food waste products also contain significant amounts of sugar, so this is not limited to only wasted peaches. It is contemplated that other sugar-containing agricultural by-products could be used in this process for the same purpose with minor adjustments for amounts depending on the sugar concentration and initial pH of the fruit or vegetable.

Fig. 1. Adding an acid precursor to the manure and rapid fermentation increased acidity and the phosphorus recovery from the manure, up to a plateau recovery (Vanotti et al., 2023).
Fig. 1. Adding an acid precursor to the manure and rapid fermentation increased acidity and the phosphorus recovery from the manure, up to a plateau recovery (Vanotti et al., 2023).

Future Plans

Research will be presented showing consistent phosphorus extraction results obtained with swine manure and sugar beet molasses as the acid precursor, and with dairy manure and lactose waste as the acid precursor. USDA-ARS seeks a commercial partner to bring this technology to market.  For more information on commercialization, contact: Mrs. Tanaga Boozer, Technology Transfer Coordinator, USDA-ARS, OTT Southeast Area, tanaga.boozer@usda.gov

Authors

Presenting & corresponding author

Matias Vanotti, USDA-ARS, Matias.vanotti@usda.gov

Additional authors

Vanotti, M.B, Szogi, A.A., and Brigman, P.W.  USDA-ARS, Florence, SC

Moral, R. Miguel Hernandez University, Orihuela, Spain

Additional Information

Vanotti, M.B., Szogi, A.A. 2019. Extraction of amino acids and phosphorus from biological materials. US Patent 10,150,711. US Patent & Trademark Office.

Vanotti, M.B., Szogi, A.A., Moral, R. 2020. Extraction of amino acids and phosphorus from biological materials using sugars (acid precursors). US Patent 10,710,937. US Patent & Trademark Office.

Vanotti, M., Szogi, A., Moral, R., & Brigman, W. 2023 (November). Recovery of Value-Added Products from Swine Manure and Waste Peaches. In National Conference on Next-Generation Sustainable Technologies for Small-Scale Producers (NGST 2022) (pp. 38-42). Atlantis Press.

Acknowledgements

This research was part of USDA-ARS National Program 212, ARS Project 6082-12630-001-00D. Support by Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, Japan, through ARS Project 58-6082-7-006-F, is also acknowledged.  Mention of trade names or commercial products in this article is solely for the purpose of providing specific information and does not imply recommendation or endorsement by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

 

The authors are solely responsible for the content of these proceedings. The technical information does not necessarily reflect the official position of the sponsoring agencies or institutions represented by planning committee members, and inclusion and distribution herein does not constitute an endorsement of views expressed by the same. Printed materials included herein are not refereed publications. Citations should appear as follows. EXAMPLE: Authors. 2025. Title of presentation. Waste to Worth. Boise, ID. April 7-11, 2025. URL of this page. Accessed on: today’s date.

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System for Treating Livestock Wastewater Using Electrochemistry to Recover the Nitrogen and Phosphorus

Purpose

Conservation and recovery of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) from livestock, industrial, and municipal effluents are important for economic and environmental reasons.  Therefore, a need exists for improved systems and methods for N and P recovery from wastewater, especially by using fewer chemicals.  A new method was developed using electrochemistry to enhance the gasification and rate of ammonia capture by a gas-permeable membrane and the solubilization and the rate of phosphate capture using P-precipitating compounds.  The process was tested using liquid swine manure.  It recovered 86% of the ammonia and more than 93% of the phosphorus contained in the manure.

What Did We Do?

This work aimed to develop new technology for simultaneous N and P recovery that eliminates alkali chemicals used to increase pH for quick N capture using gas-permeable membranes (Vanotti and Szogi, 2015), and also eliminates acid chemicals used to solubilize the P in the manure before precipitation with P-precipitating agents (Szogi et al., 2018).  The new N and P recovery system used in this example is described by Vanotti et al., 2024. It has a cathode chamber, an anode chamber, a stripping acid solution tank, and a phosphorus recovery tank (Fig. 1).  The cathode chamber is fitted with a gas-permeable membrane manifold. The cathode chamber is fitted with a gas-permeable membrane manifold and contains a salt solution. The wastewater containing ammonia and phosphorus is pumped into the anode chamber. The ammonium (NH4) in the anode chamber permeates into the cathode chamber through a cation exchange membrane placed between chambers.  The cathode increases the pH of the liquid and accelerates the rate of passage of ammonia through the gas-permeable membrane into an acid-stripping solution contained in a stripping tank/ reservoir and recirculated through the membrane manifold in a closed loop. The wastewater in the anode chamber is acidified by H+ released by electrolysis in the anode.  The anode chamber effluent, with most of the P solubilized, is passed through a centrifuge or filter to separate suspended solids without phosphorus and liquid filtrate/centrate with phosphate. Phosphorus precipitating compounds used were MgCl2 and Ca(OH)2.   After rapid mixing, the phosphorus precipitates as a solid.  This precipitation proceeds quickly as a result of the previous removal of the carbonate alkalinity in the anode chamber, which interferes with phosphate precipitation.

Figure 1. Schematic diagram of an embodiment of a nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) recovery system using electrochemistry (Vanotti et al., 2024).
Figure 1. Schematic diagram of an embodiment of a nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) recovery system using electrochemistry (Vanotti et al., 2024).

What Have We Learned?

In tests with liquid swine manure, the pH in the cathode chamber was increased due to the electrochemical production of OH-, from 5.8 to 12.5 (Fig. 2).  The wastewater’s ammonia was removed from the anode chamber and recovered in the stripping acid solution with 86% recovery efficiency (Fig. 3).

Figure 2.  pH in anode chamber, cathode chamber, and stripping acid tank.  
Figure 2.  pH in anode chamber, cathode chamber, and stripping acid tank.
Figure 3.  Ammonia-N mass removal in anode chamber and ammonia-N mass recovery in cathode chamber and stripping acid tank.
Figure 3.  Ammonia-N mass removal in anode chamber and ammonia-N mass recovery in cathode chamber and stripping acid tank.

The wastewater pH in the anode dropped from 7.9 to 3.5, and carbonate alkalinity dropped from 10750 mg/L to 0 mg/L (Figures 2 & 4).  The acid was produced by oxidation at the anode (2 H2O → O2 + 4 H+).  These conditions transformed the P from manure particles into soluble phosphates that were efficiently recovered in the phosphorus recovery tank.   For example, using the P-precipitating compound Ca(OH)2, the process recovered 93% of the total P in a P precipitate solid compared to only 4.6% in a control without electrochemical treatment (Fig. 5).  Using the P-precipitating compound MgCl2, the process recovered 95% of the total P in a P precipitate solid compared to only 6% P recovery in a control without electrochemical treatment (Fig. 5).

Figure 4. Reduction of carbonate alkalinity concentration occurring in the anode chamber. 
Figure 4. Reduction of carbonate alkalinity concentration occurring in the anode chamber.
Figure 5. Phosphorus is recovered in the solid precipitate using P-precipitating compounds Ca(OH)2 or MgCl2.  A) with a previous electrochemical step, and B) without an electrochemical step.  
Figure 5. Phosphorus is recovered in the solid precipitate using P-precipitating compounds Ca(OH)2 or MgCl2.  A) with a previous electrochemical step, and B) without an electrochemical step.

Future Plans

USDA-ARS seeks a commercial partner to bring this technology to market.  For more information on commercialization, contact: Mrs. Tanaga Boozer, Technology Transfer Coordinator, USDA-ARS, OTT Southeast Area, tanaga.boozer@usda.gov

Authors

Presenting & corresponding author

Matias Vanotti, USDA-ARS, Matias.vanotti@usda.gov

Additional authors

M.B. Vanotti, A.A. Szogi, P.W. Brigman, and S. Rawal, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Coastal Plains Soil, Water and Plant Research Center, Florence, South Carolina.

Additional Information

Szogi A.A., Vanotti, M.B., Shumaker, P.D. 2018.  Economic recovery of calcium phosphates from swine lagoon sludge using Quick Wash process and geotextile filtration. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems 2, 37, https://doi.org/10.3389/fsufs.2018.00037.

Vanotti, M.B., and Szogi, A.A. 2015. Systems and methods for reducing ammonia emissions from liquid effluents and recovering ammonia. U.S. Patent 9,005,333 B1. U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

Vanotti, M.B., Szogi, A.A., Brigman, P.W., and Rawal, S. 2024. Systems for treating wastewater using electrochemistry. U.S. Patent Appl. 18/808,123. U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

Acknowledgements

This research was part of USDA-ARS National Program 212, ARS Project 6082-12630-001-00D. Mention of trade names or commercial products in this article is solely for the purpose of providing specific information and does not imply recommendation or endorsement by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

 

The authors are solely responsible for the content of these proceedings. The technical information does not necessarily reflect the official position of the sponsoring agencies or institutions represented by planning committee members, and inclusion and distribution herein does not constitute an endorsement of views expressed by the same. Printed materials included herein are not refereed publications. Citations should appear as follows. EXAMPLE: Authors. 2025. Title of presentation. Waste to Worth. Boise, ID. April 7–11, 2025. URL of this page. Accessed on: today’s date.

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Phosphorus Recycling from Dairy Manure via Hydrochar – Experience from the Lab-Scale to Pilot-Scale Hydrothermal Carbonization Prototype

Due to a technical glitch, the beginning of the recorded presentation was not recorded. Please accept our apologies.

Purpose

To address the depletion of phosphorus resources and the environmental issues associated with phosphorus enriched runoff from the application of raw manure, a strategic and sustainable approach is to recycle phosphorus from dairy manure using innovative and efficient methods. Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) has been considered one of the sustainable techniques, which can transform dairy manure into phosphorus-enriched hydrochar at relatively low temperatures, typically ranging from 180 to 250 °C. This process not only recovers valuable phosphorus but also converts organic waste into a stable, nutrient-rich product that can be used as a soil amendment or phosphorus fertilizer.

Despite the massive experimental activity performed to characterize the HTC process, the design and development of a validated bench-scale model is crucial for scaling up. While numerous studies have explored the HTC process at the laboratory level, only a limited number of studies have assessed the technical feasibility and performance of implementing this process on an industrial scale. In this context, the purpose of this study was to provide a detailed and systematic examination of phosphorus recovery from dairy manure using a lab-scale HTC reactor and illustrated the basis of the design of a bench-scale processor and evaluated its performance in terms of hydrochar yield (HY) and phosphorus recovery (PR).

What Did We Do?

Fig. 1. Scale-up of the hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) reactor from lab-scale to bench-scale. (a) Lab-scale HTC reactor with a 300 mL capacity, used for small-batch experiments. (b) Scaled-up bench-scale HTC reactor with a 9 L capacity. 
Fig. 1. Scale-up of the hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) reactor from lab-scale to bench-scale. (a) Lab-scale HTC reactor with a 300 mL capacity, used for small-batch experiments. (b) Scaled-up bench-scale HTC reactor with a 9 L capacity.

In this study, the HTC of raw dairy manure with a 7.9% of total solids was first conducted using the lab-scale reactor to optimize the process parameters, including temperature and reaction time, and then scaled up at a scale of 30 times larger (Fig. 1). The HTC-derived hydrochar samples were named according to the temperature and reaction time. For example, HC200-30 represents the hydrochar sample obtained at 200 °C and 30 min. The scaled-up reactor was designed and operated at the optimized conditions obtained from the lab-scale study, which was 225 ºC and 60 min of reaction time. The HY, which also reflects the mass reduction of dairy manure (on a dry weight basis), and PR were the two main parameters evaluating the HTC of dairy manure. We additionally evaluated the energy required for hydrochar processing in both lab- and bench-scale processors.

The HY and PR expressed as a percentage were determined by the following equations:

What Have We Learned?

Fig. 2 shows the effects of HTC processing temperature and reaction time on the HY and PR using the lab-scale reactor. It was observed that the HY decreased gradually as the processing temperature and time increased, which is attributed to the temperature and time dependent degradation of organic matter during HTC. The highest PR was observed at 225 ºC and 60 min.

Fig. 2. Hydrochar yield (%) and phosphorus recovery (%) efficiency under different hydrothermal carbonization conditions.
Fig. 2. Hydrochar yield (%) and phosphorus recovery (%) efficiency under different hydrothermal carbonization conditions.

As shown in Fig. 3, the scale-up of the hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) process demonstrated that HY and PR remained consistent between lab-scale and bench-scale systems, indicating that the transition to a larger reactor did not compromise HY or PR. Notably, the energy input per mass of hydrochar was significantly reduced in the bench-scale system, improving overall energy efficiency. These findings indicate that scaling up HTC can enhance process feasibility while maintaining similar nutrient recovery.

Fig. 3. Comparison between lab-scale and bench-scale HTC systems. (a) Hydrochar yield (%), (b) phosphorus recovery (%), (c) Energy input (kwh/kg-HC), and (d) specifications of the scale-up reactor.
Fig. 3. Comparison between lab-scale and bench-scale HTC systems. (a) Hydrochar yield (%), (b) phosphorus recovery (%), (c) Energy input (kwh/kg-HC), and (d) specifications of the scale-up reactor.

Future Plans

We plan to further develop a continuous-flow HTC system at pilot-scale as a potential advanced manure processing pathway. We will also conduct technoeconomic and environmental assessments to verify scalability and sustainability.

Authors

Presenting author

Mohammad Nazrul Islam, Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Idaho

Corresponding author

Lide Chen, Professor, Dept. of Soil & Water Systems, University of Idaho, lchen@uidaho.edu

Additional author

Brian He, Professor, Dept. of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Idaho

Acknowledgements

This work is supported partially by USDA NIFA (award number 2021-67022-35504) and the University of Idaho P3R1 grant.

 

The authors are solely responsible for the content of these proceedings. The technical information does not necessarily reflect the official position of the sponsoring agencies or institutions represented by planning committee members, and inclusion and distribution herein does not constitute an endorsement of views expressed by the same. Printed materials included herein are not refereed publications. Citations should appear as follows. EXAMPLE: Authors. 2025. Title of presentation. Waste to Worth. Boise, ID. April 7-11, 2025. URL of this page. Accessed on: today’s date.

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Demonstrated Maximization of Nutrient Recovery from Swine Manure

Purpose

Previous evaluations of the technologies investigated were conducted in a batch mode of testing. This program was conducted to demonstrate the viability of the technologies investigated to significantly reduce phosphorus when operated in a continuous mode, pulling manure directly from a deep pit swine operation without agitating the pit. Additionally, this demonstration also explored the ability of several dewatering technologies to produce a stackable product containing the high phosphorus recovered in the form of amorphous calcium phosphate. Considerable data on this final product was collected from multiple off-site takers expressing interest in the final product. Figure 1 is a picture of the pilot setup.

Figure 1: Pilot Setup

What Did We Do?

Mobile test units were employed at a swine operation representative of a typical operation in Mercer County, OH. Manure was directly pulled from the deep pit at the host farm, and after initial dewatering, it was treated under conditions consistent with a detailed program conducted under sponsorship from Ohio Farm Bureau in summer 2019. Treated manure was then sent to multiple dewatering options including passive dewatering (geotextile bags) and mechanical separation. The demonstration program ran for six months and a total of 110,000 gallons of manure was treated continuously with multiple samples collected for analysis at third-party certified labs.

Twenty cubic yards of the initial manure solids were collected for use by a Cleveland off-site taker to investigate its viability as a composting foundational ingredient, while several different off-site takers were sent samples of the final dewatered material containing the recovered phosphorus. An additional three tons of stackable final product were sent to several off-site takers in Allen County, IN for use and evaluation, an additional 20 cubic yards of the geobag containing product were sent to a local farmer for application in a 40 acre wheat field and the remainder of the material (both manure solids and geobag material) were land applied by the host farm.

Figure 2 is a picture of the dewatered manure solids collected.

Figure 2: Dewatered manure solids

Figure 3 is a picture of the recovered phosphorus product.

Figure 3: Recovered phosphorus product

What Have We Learned?

We were able to confirm that the technologies demonstrated performed as expected when operating in a continuous mode. An average initial dewatered manure cake of 20.8% solids was obtained without the use of polymers and a consistent stackable product of 24.4% was obtained with the mechanical dewatering equipment used. An average of 96.1% recovery of total phosphorus was obtained during the pilot. This value compares to the average total phosphorus reduction of 95.5% measured at the batch mode operation in summer 2019. Limitations of the equipment used limited operation to approximately 7gpm but with properly sized pumps, this could be increased.

The operating cost of treatment averaged out to $0.0063/gallon (measured at $0.0064 in summer 2019). To dewater the product to stackable form varied depending on the equipment used, but costs of close to $0.01/gallon have been estimated. For the application demonstrated, the use of a geobag for final dewatering was not considered a viable option due to high costs (approximately $0.15/gallon treated) and the space required.

Future Plans

The Maumee Valley Authority was awarded an USDA Conservation Grant in partnership with Allen / Adams County of Indiana and Applied Environmental Solutions to further demonstrate continuous flow operation over an extended duration at a deep pit swine, dairy and mixed manure lagoon operation. A major focus of this effort will be in establishing the value and path to market for co-product streams produced. Additionally, efforts are underway to design and build a portable unit capable of treating 500,000 gpd of manure over a 3-5 day period. This would allow for treatment at smaller farms without the need for capital outlay by the individual farms. One purchaser of this design has already been identified for delivery in 2023.

In addition to the above, initial testing of a companion technology for the recovery of ammonia is also under investigation. Ammonia can be recovered in any number of ammonium salts (such as ammonium sulfate) and represents another opportunity to maximize the resource recovery from agricultural streams.

Authors

Presenting author

Rick Johnson, Director of Commercial Development, Applied Environmental Solutions

Corresponding author

Theresa Dirksen, Agriculture & Natural Resources Director, Mercer County (OH)

Corresponding author email address

theresa.dirksen@mercercountyohio.org

Acknowledgements

    • Ohio Water Development Authority
    • Mercer County Board of Commissioners
    • Ivo & Linda Post, Host Farm

The authors are solely responsible for the content of these proceedings. The technical information does not necessarily reflect the official position of the sponsoring agencies or institutions represented by planning committee members, and inclusion and distribution herein does not constitute an endorsement of views expressed by the same. Printed materials included herein are not refereed publications. Citations should appear as follows. EXAMPLE: Authors. 2022. Title of presentation. Waste to Worth. Oregon, OH. April 18-22, 2022. URL of this page. Accessed on: today’s date.

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Recovery of Proteins and Phosphorus from Manure

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*Purpose

The recovery of phosphorus and proteins from manure could be advantageous to both offset costs and to improve and lessen the environmental impacts of manure storage and treatment. Phosphorous in manure can contaminate rivers, lakes, and bays through runoff, if applied onto cropland at excessive rates. Thus, recovering phosphorous from manure can not only help reduce phosphorus loss in runoff, but also reduces the use of commercial fertilizer based upon phosphate rock. Phosphorus mines have limited reserves and viable alternatives for replacing rock phosphate as fertilizer do not exist. Protein is a natural resource used in a wide range of commercial applications from pharmaceuticals to dietary supplements, foods, feeds, and industrial applications.

What Did We Do?

A new method for simultaneous extraction of proteins and phosphorus from biological materials has been developed and is presented.  The experiments used swine manure solids fraction after solids-liquid separation.  From raw manure, wet solids are dissolved in acidic solution and then treated with a basic solution so phosphorus will precipitate and be reclaimed.  The proteins in the washed solids can be extracted and concentrated with ultrafiltration and flocculation.

Test tubes filled with proteins from manure

What Have We Learned?

On a dry-weight basis, it was found that the separated manure solids contained 15.2-17.4% proteins and 3.0% phosphorus.  Quantitative extraction of phosphorus and proteins from manures was possible with this new system. The phosphorus was first separated from the solids in a soluble extract, then the proteins were separated from the solids and solubilized with an alkali solvent.  Both phosphorus and protein recovery were enhanced about 19 and 22%, respectively, with the inclusion of a rinse after the washing. The recovered phosphorus solids had 20.4% phosphates (P2O5).  The protein extract was concentrated using ultrafiltration (UF) and lyophilization to obtain a protein solids concentrate.  UF of 5 and 10 kDa captured all the proteins, but 30 kDa resulted in 22% loss.  The protein solids were converted into amino-acids using acid hydrolysis.  Further, the system was proved effective in extracting phosphorus and proteins from other biological materials, such as algae or crops. The recovered proteins could be used for production of amino acids and the recovered phosphorus could be used as a recycled material that replaces commercial phosphate fertilizers.  This could be a potential new revenue stream from wastes.

Future Plans

Further research will be conducted to reduce process costs and separate the amino acids.

Corresponding author (name, title, affiliation)

Matias Vanotti, USDA-ARS

Corresponding author email address

matias.vanotti@ars.usda.gov

Other Authors

A.A. Szogi, P.W. Brigman

Additional Information

Vanotti, M.B. and Szogi, A.A.  (2016).  Extraction of amino acids and phosphorus from biological materials. US Patent Application SN 15/350,283. U.S. Patent & Trademark Office.

USDA-ARS Office of Technology Transfer, Invention Docket No: 080.15, Contact: thomas.valco@ars.usda.gov

Acknowledgements

This research is part of USDA-ARS Project 6082-12630-001-00D “Improvement of Soil Management Practices and Manure Treatment/Handling Systems of the Southern Coastal Plains.”  We acknowledge the field and laboratory assistance of William Brigman and Chris Brown, USDA-ARS, Florence, SC.  Support by The Kaiteki Institute, Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings Group through ARS Cooperative Agreement 58-6082-5-006-F is acknowledged.

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Recovery of Ammonia and Production of High-Grade Phosphates from Digester Effluents


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Purpose

Conservation and recovery of nitrogen and phosphorus from animal wastes and municipal effluents are important because of economic and environmental reasons. This paper presents a novel technology for separation and recovery of ammonia and phosphorus from liquid swine manure, which has significant amount of nutrients but also contains relatively high moisture content.

What Did We Do?

Phosphorus recovery via magnesium (MgCl2) precipitation was enhanced by combining it with ammonia recovery through gas-permeable membranes and low-rate aeration. Detailed procedures used in the research are provided in Vanotti et al. (2017).

Graphic of gas-permeable membrane

What Have We Learned?

The combination of low-rate aeration and gas-permeable membrane N recovery destroyed the natural carbonate alkalinity in the wastewater and increased pH values, which accelerated ammonia uptake in the gas-permeable membrane system and improved the phosphate recovery.  The process provided 100% phosphorus recovery efficiencies.   Surprisingly, the magnesium phosphates produced contained very-high phosphate grade (46% P2O5 ) similar to commercial superphosphate fertilizer and consistent with the composition of a rare biomineral called newberyite  that is found in guano deposits.   This is an important finding because we were able to produce from wastes a valuable phosphate product with high P2O5 content favored by the fertilizer industry.

Future Plans

Research will be summarized showing consistent results obtained with municipal side-stream effluents.  Economic considerations are provided in Dube et at. (2016).

Corresponding author (name, title, affiliation) 

Matias Vanotti, USDA-ARS

Corresponding author email address  

matias.vanotti@ars.usda.gov

Other Authors 

M.B. Vanotti, P.J. Dube, A.A. Szogi, M.C. Garcia-Gonzalez

Additional Information

Dube, P. J., Vanotti, M. B., Szogi, A. A., and García-González, M. C. (2016): Enhancing recovery of ammonia from swine manure anaerobic digester effluent using gas-permeable membrane technology. Waste Management 49:372–377.

Vanotti, M.B., Szogi, A.A., and Dube, P.J.  (2016): Systems and methods for recovering ammonium and phosphorus from liquid effluents. U.S. Patent Application 15/170,129. U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

Vanotti, M.B., Dube, P.J., Szogi, A.A., M.C. Garcia-Gonzalez (2017): Recovery of ammonia and phosphate minerals from swine wastewater using gas-permeable membranes. Water Research 112:137-146

Acknowledgements

This article is part of USDA-ARS Project 6082-12630-001-00D “Improvement of Soil Management Practices and Manure Treatment/Handling Systems of the Southern Coastal Plains.”  We acknowledge the field and laboratory assistance of William Brigman and Chris Brown, USDA-ARS, Florence, SC, and the field sampling assistance of Diana Rashash, North Carolina Extension Service/ North Carolina State University.

The authors are solely responsible for the content of these proceedings. The technical information does not necessarily reflect the official position of the sponsoring agencies or institutions represented by planning committee members, and inclusion and distribution herein does not constitute an endorsement of views expressed by the same. Printed materials included herein are not refereed publications. Citations should appear as follows. EXAMPLE: Authors. 2017. Title of presentation. Waste to Worth: Spreading Science and Solutions. Cary, NC. April 18-21, 2017. URL of this page. Accessed on: today’s date.

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Extraction and Recovery of Phosphorus from Pig Manure Using the Quick Wash Process

*Why Look at Phosphorus Recovery from Pig Manure?

Land disposal of manure is a challenging environmental problem in areas with intense confined pig production. When manure is land applied at optimal nitrogen rates for crop growth, phosphorus can accumulate in excess of soil assimilative capacity because of the disproportion of nitrogen and phosphorus contents in animal manures relative to plant biomass. In turn, excess manure phosphorus lost through soil leaching or runoff has the potential to reach and pollute water resources. To reduce manure phosphorus losses into the environment, a substantial amount of phosphorus needs to be moved off the pig farm but transporting manure to phosphorus-deficit croplands becomes less cost effective with increasing distance from the pig farm. Yet, conservation and recovery of phosphorus is a concern in modern agriculture because of the high cost and possible insufficient supply of mined phosphates in the future. Thus, manure management in regions with intense animal production could benefit from new technologies that would recover manure phosphorus in a concentrated, usable form. This approach would make more economical the long distance transfers of manure phosphorus while reducing both agronomic phosphorus imbalances and adverse effects of soil P losses on water resources.

What did we do?

diagram of the quick wash processA patented treatment process, called “Quick Wash”, was developed for extraction and recovery of phosphorus from animal manure solids, but research has shown that the approach is equally effective with municipal biosolids. In the Quick Wash process, phosphorus is selectively extracted from pig manure solids by using mineral or organic acid solutions. Following, phosphorus is recovered by addition of liquid lime and an organic poly-electrolyte to the liquid extract to form a calcium-containing P precipitate. The quick wash process generates two products: 1) manure solids low in phosphorus; and 2) recovered phosphorus material.

What have we learned?

The Quick Wash process selectively extracts and recovers as much as 90 % of the phosphorus from pig manure solids while leaving most of the nitrogen in the washed manure solids. Consequently, the washed solid residue has a more balanced nitrogen and phosphorus composition for crop production and is environmentally safer for land application. The concentrated phosphorus product contains more than 90% of its phosphorus in plant available form for use as crop fertilizer. The inclusion of this process in a waste management system offers pig producers a new and welcomed opportunity to minimize phosphorus losses into the environment, while recovering and recycling phosphorus as a valuable product.

Future Plans

USDA granted an exclusive license of the invention to Renewable Nutrients, LLC (Pinehurst, NC). The Quick Wash is being commercialized by Renewable Nutrients, LLC for the municipal wastewater treatment sector and its partner TRIEA Technologies, LLC (Frederick, MD) for phosphorus recovery in the animal agriculture market.

Authors

Ariel A. Szogi, Research Soil Scientist, USDA-ARS Coastal Plains Soil, Water, and Plant Research Center, Florence, SC ariel.szogi@ars.usda.gov

Matias B. Vanotti, Patrick G. Hunt – USDA-ARS Coastal Plains Soil, Water, and Plant

Additional information

https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fsufs.2018.00037/full

http://www.rnutrients.com/

http://www.trieatechnologies.com/quickwash

Szogi, A.A., Vanotti, M.B., Hunt, P.G., 2014. Process for removing and recovering phosphorus from animal waste. U.S. Patent 8,673,046 B1. U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

Acknowledgements

This work is part of USDA-ARS National Program 214: Agricultural and Industrial Byproducts; ARS Project 6657-13630-005-00D “Innovative Bioresource Management Technologies for Enhanced Environmental Quality and Value Optimization.”

The authors are solely responsible for the content of these proceedings. The technical information does not necessarily reflect the official position of the sponsoring agencies or institutions represented by planning committee members, and inclusion and distribution herein does not constitute an endorsement of views expressed by the same. Printed materials included herein are not refereed publications. Citations should appear as follows. EXAMPLE: Authors. 2015. Title of presentation. Waste to Worth: Spreading Science and Solutions. Seattle, WA. March 31-April 3, 2015. URL of this page. Accessed on: today’s date.

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Process for Recovery of Phosphorus from Solid Manure

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Why Study Phosphorus Recovery?

Land application of manure in regions with intense confined livestock and poultry production is an environmental concern when land is limiting because it promotes soil phosphorus (P) surplus and potential pollution of water resources. A net accumulation of soil P results from the disproportion between lower nitrogen (N) and P ratio (N:P) in animal manure and the higher N:P ratio in harvested crops. Although manure can be moved off the farm, its transportation becomes less economical with increasing distances from the source. Thus, management alternatives to land application are needed to resolve agronomic P imbalances for more effective recycling of manure P.

Litter washed solids residue – Low P content

What Did We Do?

A treatment process, called “quick wash”, was developed for extraction and recovery of P from poultry litter and animal manure solids. In the quick wash process, P is selectively extracted from solid manure or poultry litter by using mineral or organic acid solutions. Following, P is recovered by addition of liquid lime and an organic poly-electrolyte to the liquid extract to form a calcium-containing P precipitate. The quick wash process generates two products: 1) washed solid residue, and 2) concentrated recovered P material.

What Have We Learned?

Recovered concentrated P material

The quick wash process selectively removes up to 80 % of the phosphorus from manure solids while leaving most of the nitrogen in the washed litter residue. Consequently, the washed solid residue has a more balanced N:P ratio for crop production and environmentally safe for land application. The concentrated  P recovered materials contained more than 90% of its phosphorus in plant available form. The use of recovered P can provide a recycled P source for use as crop fertilizer while minimizing manure P losses into the environment from confined animal production.

Future Plans

USDA granted an exclusive license of the invention to Renewable Nutrients, LLC (Pinehurst, NC); a centralized plant for treating poultry litter is planned to be built and operated by Renewable Nutrients in the Mid-Atlantic region.

Authors

Ariel A. Szogi, Research Soil Scientist, USDA-ARS Coastal Plains Soil, Water, and Plant Research Center,  Florence, SC. ariel.szogi@ars.usda.gov

Ariel A. Szogi, Matias B. Vanotti, Patrick G. Hunt – USDA-ARS Coastal Plains Soil, Water, and Plant Rsearch Center,  Florence, SC.

Additional Information

https://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2008/080229.htm

https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fsufs.2018.00037/full

Szogi, A.A., Vanotti, M.B., Hunt, P.G., 2008. Process for removing and recovering phosphorus from animal waste. U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Application Serial No. 12/026,346.

Szogi, A.A., Vanotti, M.B., and Hunt, P.G. 2008. Phosphorus recovery from poultry litter. Trans. ASABE 51(5):1727-1734.

Szogi, A.A. and Vanotti, M.B., 2009. Prospects for phosphorus recovery from poultry litter. Bioresour. Technol. 100(22):5461-5465.

Szogi, A.A., Bauer, P.J., and Vanotti, M.B. Fertilizer effectiveness of phosphorus recovered from broiler litter. Agron. J. 102(2):723-727. 2010.

Acknowledgements

This work is part of USDA-ARS National Program 214: Agricultural and Industrial Byproducts; ARS Project 6657-13630-005-00D “Innovative Bioresource Management Technologies for Enhanced Environmental Quality and Value Optimization.”

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