Phosphate removal during water treatment

The GEH® process for phosphate removal is an innovative and environmentally friendly water treatment method. It is based on the use of granular ferric hydroxide, an effective adsorption material that selectively binds and removes phosphate from the water. A significant advantage of this process is its avoidance of chemical additives, which makes it a particularly environmentally friendly option.

The GEH® phosphate removal process is not only effective, but also flexible and scalable, making it suitable for different volumes of water: from small natural pools to large lakes. These characteristics make the GEH® process a preferred choice for projects that focus on maintaining the natural balance in water bodies and minimising environmental impact.

Although the GEH® phosphate removal process offers many advantages, it is important to note that regular maintenance and replacement of the adsorption material is required for optimal performance. What’s more, the initial cost can be higher than simpler methods of phosphate removal, which should be considered when making a decision.

Chemical precipitation is a widely used method for removing phosphate from water, which has the distinction of being efficient and easy to use. In this process, chemicals such as aluminium sulphate or ferric chloride are added to the water. Phosphate is either chemically bound or adsorbed on the resulting flocs that are filtered off. The main advantage of this method is its ability to quickly remove large quantities of phosphate from the water. This makes it particularly useful for acute eutrophication problems. Chemical precipitation also has disadvantages, however. The use of these agents can further chemically burden the water and influence the pH value, potentially leading to undesirable ecological side effects.

The technical complexity and high investment costs make this phosphate removal process less suitable for smaller systems. It also requires trained personnel to monitor and control the process. Despite these challenges, chemical precipitation remains a standard process in water treatment, especially in large plants where it can be used effectively and economically.

Electrocoagulation is a more modern method of phosphate removal that is based on the use of electrodes. In this process, phosphate molecules are attracted and thus removed from the water. This process is considered an environmentally friendly water treatment method as it requires no additional chemicals and can be particularly effective with low phosphate concentrations. Another advantage of electrocoagulation is its ability to selectively remove phosphate without significantly affecting other water components.

However, electrocoagulation is often associated with higher costs and greater energy consumption. This limits its applicability in larger bodies of water or where budgets are limited. Electrocoagulation is therefore particularly suitable for specific applications where environmental compatibility and precision are paramount.

Using membrane processes to remove phosphate is an important method found in modern water treatment. It employs sophisticated membranes that operate at high pressure levels to effectively remove water constituents. This technology is based on the principle of size exclusion and the interaction between the water constituents and the membrane material.