Compatibility of vivianite-crystallization pathway of phosphorus recovery with anaerobic digestion systems of thermally hydrolyzed sludge

Phosphorus in sewage is mostly enriched in activated sludge in wastewater treatment plants, making excess sludge an appropriate material for phosphorus recovery. The potential of vivianite (Fe3(PO4)2·8H2O) crystallization-based phosphorus recovery during the anaerobic digestion of thermally hydrolyzed sludge was discussed with influences of organic compounds on the formation of vivianite crystals being investigated in detail. Bovine serum albumin, humic acids and alginate, as model compounds of proteins, humic acids and polysaccharides, all inhibited vivianite crystallization, with the influence of humic acids being the most significant. A sludge retention time of >12 d for effective degradation of organic compounds and a certain degree of FeII excess are suggested to decrease the organics resulting inhibition. The results demonstrate the compatibility of vivianite-crystallization pathway of phosphorus recovery with anaerobic sludge digesters, and reveal the complexity of vivianite formation in the sludge with further research warranted to minimize the inhibitory influences. [Display omitted] •Vivianite formation is inhibited via strong Fe-organic interactions•Inhibition of humic acids are more severe than proteins and polysaccharides•Mode of crystal growth is altered in the presence of proteins and polysaccharides•Sludge retention of >12 d is suggested for vivianite crystallization in digesters