Name
Aqua2N®: reducing WWTP nitrogen loads and process emissions through resource recovery
Description
UK water companies face increasing pressure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, meet tighter nitrogen discharge standards, and deliver circular economy outcomes under AMP8 programmes. They must also adhere to Net Zero commitments and evolving environmental regulation.
Sludge liquors and reject waters typically account for less than 2% of wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) flow but contribute up to 30% of total nitrogen load, creating significant treatment and emissions challenges.
This presentation examines the application of Aqua2N® technology – by EasyMining and EPS Water – as a sidestream treatment solution for high-ammonia process streams. Aqua2N® is a patented two-stage chemical process that removes and recovers more than 95% of ammonium nitrogen. Ammonium is first captured through precipitation and subsequently converted into ammonium sulphate fertiliser, while the precipitant is regenerated and reused within the process. Unlike conventional biological nitrogen removal, the process requires no heating and generates no direct nitrous oxide emissions.
Drawing on pilot-scale demonstrations and deployment studies, the paper will quantify the potential for reducing nitrogen recycle loads, lowering aeration and carbon source demand, and reducing WWTP nitrous oxide emissions. The recovered material provides a marketable fertiliser product, supporting nutrient circularity and reducing dependence on fossil-derived nitrogen fertilisers while improving overall treatment capacity.
Authors
Shaun Stevens and Alan Ford, EPS Water, UK
Simon Warnqvist, EasyMining, Sweden
Simon Warnqvist, EasyMining, Sweden