Phosphorus Removal Program for UK WWTPs

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TruSense was a subconsultant in support of a project commissioned by a major UK Water Company to assess economically feasible phosphorus (P) removal strategies across 14 activated sludge wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). The project formed part of the utility’s compliance programme under AMP7 (2020–2025) and the Water Framework Directive, which enforces stringent total phosphorus limits ranging from 0.25 to 2 mgP/L. TruSense was responsible for evaluating 7 of the selected WWTPs, primarily medium to large nitrifying activated sludge plants. The scope included collection and analysis of operational and sampling data, preliminary process design and steady-state modelling of Enhanced Biological Phosphorus Removal (EBPR) and chemical P removal options, and identification of bolt-on technologies to ensure effluent compliance. Phase 1 of the project focused on assessing the technical feasibility and conducting a cost comparison of EBPR versus chemical P removal. The findings informed the selection of optimal treatment solutions for each plant and formed the basis for detailed process design and financial evaluation in Phase 2.

This project enabled the client to make evidence-based, cost-effective investment decisions while meeting environmental compliance requirements.