Waste to phosphorus: A transdisciplinary solution to P recovery from wastewater based on the TRIZ approach

• Published in: Journal of environmental management Vol. 287; p. 112235
• Main Authors: Jama-Rodzeńska, Anna, Białowiec, Andrzej, Koziel, Jacek A., Sowiński, Józef
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 01.06.2021
• Subjects: Circular economy; Phosphorus; Recycling; Sewage; Sewage sludge; Sustainability; TRIZ; Waste Disposal, Fluid; Waste Water; Wastewater treatment; TRIZ; Phosphorus; Circular economy; Wastewater treatment; Sewage sludge; Sustainability
• ISSN: 0301-4797; 1095-8630
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.112235

Phosphorus (P) is a limited yet essential resource. P cannot be replaced, but it can be recovered from waste. We proposed the TRIZ approach (Teoria reszenija izobretatielskich zadacz - Rus., Theory of Inventive Problem Solving - Eng.) to identify a feasible solution. We aimed at minimizing the environmental impact and, by eliminating contradictions, proposed viable technical solutions. P recovery can be more sustainable based on circular economy and 4Rs (reduction, recovery, reuse, and recycling). The TRIZ approach identified sewage sludge (SS) as waste with a large potential for P recovery (up to 90%). Successful selection and application of SS management and P recovery require a transdisciplinary approach to overcome the various socio-economic, environmental, technical, and legal aspects. The review provides an understanding of principles that must be taken to improve understanding of the whole process of P recovery from wastewater while building on the last two decades of research. •Increasing needs in P fertilizer production leads to phosphorus depletion.•Sewage sludge as waste with the large potential of P recovery.•Closed-loop phosphorus cycle for the benefit of future generations.•TRIZ approach as a feasible solution to phopshorus recovery overcoming various aspects.•Sustainable policy of P recovery based on circular economy and 4Rs.