Ringsend Phosphorous Fixation and Recovery Project

The construction and commissioning of the Ringsend WwTP Phosphorous Fixation & Recovery Project was the first of its kind in Ireland and is currently the largest in Europe by reactor volume. It involves the use of innovative technology to sustainably remove phosphorous from the wastewater being treated at Ringsend WwTP.

The Phosphorous Recovery Facility was constructed within the confines of the existing Ringsend Wastewater Treatment Plant. It now operates in tandem with the Aerobic Granular Sludge technology being installed in the wastewater treatment plant to reduce the levels of phosphorous being discharged into the Lower Liffey Estuary. This safeguards the environment of Dublin Bay, and ensures that the plant operates in compliance with the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive standards.

This project has not only enabled the Ringsend Wastewater Treatment Plant to reduce the phosphorus released in the treated effluent, but also allows the phosphorus recovered to act as a sustainable fertiliser for use in agricultural and horticultural application.

The Project has been a key part of the overall plant upgrade and involved the installation of a sustainable phosphorous recovery facility using Ostara nutrient recovery technology to generate crystal green fertiliser. Auxiliary works were also required to adapt sludge recovery processes at the facility, to supply the required feedstock to the system and recover the phosphorous in usable form.

Ringsend Wastewater Treatment Plant, which treats approximately 40% of Ireland’s public wastewater is currently undergoing a significant upgrade which will deliver, on a phased basis, the capacity to treat the wastewater for a population equivalent of 2.4 million by 2025. The overall upgrade of the facility will improve the provision of wastewater services and bring the facility in line with the standards of the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive using the most sustainable methods available.