Phosphate is an essential element. However, excessive amounts can cause environmental problems in rivers, lakes, streams, and coastal regions. High phosphate levels in natural water sources often result in eutrophication.

It refers to the excessive algae growth, reducing the water’s oxygen content. These regions of water that have lost oxygen are called dead zones. Continue reading to learn more.

Why do high water phosphate levels occur?

Aquatic systems contain phosphate from a variety of sources. Some of these sources are found in nature. They include:

• Plant life
• Geologic phosphate material weathering
• Air breakdown
• Waterfowl feces etc

However, human activities are mostly to blame for phosphate contamination. They include:

• Fertilizer dumping
• Urban and agricultural runoff
• Industrial and household sewage
• Malfunctioning or overcrowded septic systems etc

Phosphate has a high water solubility. So, significant amounts can find their way into drinking water. This can occur via rivers, groundwater aquifers, and reservoirs. Phosphate removal is essential to maintain water quality and healthy ecosystems.

Why are high water phosphate levels dangerous?

Excessive phosphorus levels in reservoirs can encourage harmful algae blooms. Marine life may suffer greatly as a result. It can also destroy ecosystems. In addition, these algae booms discharge toxic algae into the water. This is a serious health hazard for people.

Dead zones damage and kill a variety of aquatic life forms. This reduces the amount of plants and animals. For instance, dead zones can cause “fish kills.” This occurs when the water has insufficient oxygen for the fish to survive. It can happen very fast. When high phosphorus levels are introduced, a healthy marine ecosystem can quickly turn into a dead zone with thousands of dead fish.

How is the phosphate removed?

Biological process

This is an environmentally benign process that eliminates phosphates from water. During this process, microbes transform phosphates into less harmful forms, like phosphorus minerals. Wetlands, rivers, and estuaries naturally undergo biological phosphorus removal. These systems usually have a bed of organic debris with bacteria. They break down phosphates into less toxic forms.

Chemical process

Another technique for eliminating phosphates from water is chemical phosphate removal. This technique uses chemicals like iron salts or aluminum to remove phosphates from water. When combined with water, these compounds solidify and become removable.

Chemical phosphate removal can be successful. However, it can also harm the environment. This is by releasing harmful metals into the atmosphere.  Using as few chemicals as possible is essential for environmental and human health protection.

Physical process

Physical techniques like sedimentation can also eliminate phosphates from the water. This technique is commonly used with chemical or biological phosphate removal techniques. Allowing water to settle will allow heavier phosphorus particles to drop to the bottom of a water body. This will remove phosphorus from the water.

Conclusion

Eliminating phosphorus from wastewater is crucial. It ensures human safety and environmental preservation. Selecting a phosphorus removal system that has undergone substantial study is advisable to ensure efficacy and safety. This is where phosphate removal professionals come in. They can test the water to determine the dangerous levels and choose a safe removal process.