Ringsend Phosphorous Fixation and Recovery Project

The Ringsend WwTP Phosphorous Fixation & Recovery Project is 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.

The Project was a key part of the overall plant upgrade and involved the installation of a sustainable phosphorous recovery facility using proprietary technology. Auxiliary works were also required to adapt existing wastewater treatment works on site, to supply the required media to the system and recover the phosphorous.

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 be processed to produce sustainable fertiliser for use in agriculture.

The Ringsend Wastewater Treatment Plant, which treats approximately 40% of Ireland’s public wastewater is currently undergoing a substantial 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 Ringsend Wastewater Treatment Plant 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.