Phosphorus recovery from wastewater is increasingly recognized as essential for sustainable resource management, yet its implementation remains a delicate balancing act—like juggling on a tightrope. This presentation explores the technical, regulatory, and strategic complexities of P-recovery, drawing on over three decades of experience and recent developments across Europe.

While struvite precipitation is the most mature technology (TRL 9), its applicability is limited to biological P-removal and yields only 20-30% of influent phosphorus. In contrast, emerging technologies such as iPhos, ViviMag, and ash-based recovery (e.g., Ash2Phos, TetraPhos) offer higher recovery rates (up to 75%) and broader applicability, but face challenges in chemical use, cost, and end-product acceptance.

The presentation emphasizes that P-recovery is often an afterthought - constrained by prior decisions on P-removal methods and sludge treatment. Reframing the process by starting with the desired phosphorus product could lead to more integrated and effective solutions. A comparative analysis of technologies is presented, alongside reflections on stakeholder dynamics, regulatory hurdles, and the long timelines required for innovation. Ultimately, successful P-recovery demands strategic foresight, cross-sector collaboration, and the courage to prioritize resource recovery from the outset - not as a retrofit, but as a design principle.