Breaking the Cycle Without Clogging the Pipes: Practical Phosphorus Recovery at RWHTF
 
At the Robert W. Hite Treatment Facility (RWHTF), Metro Water Recovery has implemented a facility-wide phosphorus recovery strategy centered around the MagPrex™ system to support enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR) and mitigate struvite-related challenges. While MagPrex™ has successfully reduced total phosphorus concentrations in final effluent, further optimization is needed to maximize system performance.

Current operational objectives include increasing struvite recovery efficiency, improving dewatering performance through targeted magnesium residual management, and reducing struvite scaling in downstream centrate conveyance systems. Process improvements are being pursued through operational refinements and infrastructure upgrades, including the installation of Kynar-lined piping to address persistent struvite buildup.

A combined approach using empirical plant data, process modeling tools (e.g., BioWin, Visual MINTEQ), and bench-scale testing is guiding decision-making and system optimization. This case study offers practical insights for water resource recovery facilities seeking to enhance phosphorus recovery while balancing operational reliability, maintenance demands, and resource efficiency.
 
Speaker: Brian Marron is an Associate Process Engineer in the Technology and Innovation Department at Metro Water Recovery. His work focuses on nutrient recovery, process optimization, and identifying the underlying factors contributing to struvite formation to support more effective mitigation strategies. He holds a master’s degree in Hydraulic Engineering and Biogeochemistry from the Colorado School of Mines and has conducted extensive research on advanced water treatment processes.
 

Hosted by IWEA's Nutrient Removal and Recovery Committee 
Registration Members $20 / Non-Members $30
1PDH/TCH

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