Phosphorus removal from wastewater by mineral apatite

Natural apatite has emerged as potentially effective for phosphorus (P) removal from wastewater. The retention capacity of apatite is attributed to a lower activation energy barrier required to form hydroxyapatite (HAP) by crystallization. The aim of our study was to test the P removal potential of four apatites found in North America. Minerals were collected from two geologically different formations: sedimentary apatites from Florida and igneous apatites from Quebec. A granular size ranging from 2.5 to 10 mm to prevent clogging in wastewater applications was used. Isotherms (24 and 96 h) were drawn after batch tests using the Langmuir model which indicated that sedimentary apatites presented a higher P-affinity (KL=0.009 L/g) than igneous apatites (KL≈0.004 L/g). The higher density of igneous material probably explained this difference. P-retention capacities were determined to be around 0.3 mg P/g apatite (24 h). A 30 mg P/L synthetic effluent was fed during 39 days to four lab-scale columns. A mixture of sedimentary material (apatite and limestone 50–50%, w/w) showed a complete P-retention during 15 days which then declined to 65% until the end of the 39 days lab scale test period. A limitation in calcium may have limited nucleation processes. The same mixture used in a field scale test showed 60% P-retention from a secondary effluent (30 mg COD/L, 10 mg Pt/L) during 65 days without clogging.