Aluminum water treatment residuals as permeable reactive barrier sorbents to reduce phosphorus losses

► Two aluminum water treatment residuals assessed as permeable reactive barriers to reduce P loss. ► Determined P sorption kinetics, long-term P sorption capacity, and the stability of sorbed-P. ► Observed rapid P sorption kinetics and high sorption capacity for both residuals. ► Residuals can likely irreversibly bind P for decades at expected field conditions. Two aluminum water treatment residuals (Al-WTRs) from water treatment plants in Manatee County, FL and Punta Gorda, FL were evaluated as potential permeable reactive barrier (PRB) media to reduce groundwater phosphorus (P) losses. Short-term (70 g kg −1. Sorption and desorption studies were conducted on the