PWS – Reducing Nitrogen levels to below 5 mg/l
Robert White
Excess nitrogen pollution in to rivers and waterways causes eutrophication; an overgrowth of algae blooms. When these algae die and decompose, they consume oxygen, leading to hypoxic (low-oxygen) or anoxic (oxygen-free) conditions, which can harm aquatic life and interferes with the food chain.
In the upcoming Asset Management Period 8 (AMP8), spanning 2025 to 2030, UK water companies are set to implement stricter nitrogen discharge limits to enhance water quality and comply with environmental regulations.
The Technically Achievable Limit for nitrogen has been established at 10 milligrams per litre (mg/L) for wastewater treatment works serving populations greater than 2,000 within designated sensitive catchments.
In its PR24 final determinations, Ofwat has mandated reductions in nitrogen levels at 66 wastewater treatment sites across the UK.
PWS is able to help wastewater companies with these challenges, having been successful in removing both phosphorus and nitrogen at the Southern Water nutrient neutrality plant in Petersfield, Hampshire.
We have a unique process called TN-REM for removal of nitrogen where phosphorus levels are not an issue. This would be appropriate for the 66 WWT sites nominated by Ofwat for AMP8.
Why is TN-REM superior to other solutions?
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- Our new TN-REM technology enhances the nitrification-denitrification process through a series of refined step and feed timings.
- This ensures both maximised nitrogen removal and stability of biological process, with our current target aiming to reduce total nitrogen to below 5 mg/l.
- Plantwork systems is dedicated to achieving these world leading results whilst ensuring no additional chemicals are required at any stage of the process.
- Our solution combines high removal rates with key operational advantages such as reduced footprint and energy consumption.
- This ensures that our process is future proofed for sustainability.
- More importantly, with the heavy focus on nitrogen removal in the latest AMP8 report, it is expected that nitrogen compliance standards will be increased in the near future.
- This is why PWS has focused so heavily on reducing nitrogen removal with TN-REM to achieve it’s maximum potential.
- This is all achievable within a flexible compact package that can be scaled up to meet any population equivalent demand.
TN-REM key advantages…
Total Nitrogen (TN) of less than 5mg/l
Smaller footprint, saving space and cost
Virtually odour-free process
High quality effluent suitable for non-potable re-use (non drinking water use such as irrigation)
Effective in all seasons (i.e. including weak sewage strengths)
Lower capital expenditure and operating costs
Meets AMP 8 consent levels where low levels are set for Nitrogen
Let Plantwork Systems help you meet your AMP8 targets… get in touch for more information.
Article by Robert White, PWS Managing Director