In a significant advancement for wastewater treatment, researchers have unveiled a novel electrochemical system designed to efficiently remove ammonia nitrogen, a major pollutant in both surface and groundwater. This innovative approach, developed by a team led by Yan Zhang from the College of Ecological Environment and Urban Construction at Fujian University of Technology and the School of Environment and Energy at South China University of Technology, utilizes a bipolar membrane combined with a hydrophobic gas permeable membrane. The findings, published in the journal Energy and Environmental Protection, highlight the system’s remarkable efficacy in addressing the challenges posed by ammonia nitrogen in wastewater.
Ammonia nitrogen is not only a pressing environmental concern but also poses significant challenges for the construction sector, particularly in projects involving water management and treatment facilities. The new bipolar membrane/hydrophobic gas permeable membrane-electrochemical system (BPM/GPM-EC) demonstrated an impressive 99.3% removal rate of ammonia nitrogen from wastewater during a five-hour test period, with a specific energy consumption of just 18.2 kW·h·kg-1 N. In continuous-flow mode, the system achieved a complete removal of ammonia nitrogen at a flow rate of 0.28 mL·min-1, showcasing its potential for large-scale applications.
“The integration of recovery and removal in our system represents a paradigm shift in how we can approach ammonia-containing wastewater treatment,” stated Yan Zhang. “Not only does this technology provide an efficient means of removing pollutants, but it also allows for the recovery of valuable resources, which could have significant commercial implications.”
The commercial impact of this research could be profound, particularly for construction firms involved in developing wastewater treatment facilities. As regulations surrounding water quality tighten, the demand for efficient and cost-effective treatment solutions is expected to rise. By adopting technologies like the BPM/GPM-EC system, construction companies could not only meet compliance standards but also enhance the sustainability of their projects through resource recovery.
Moreover, the ability to operate the system with low energy consumption aligns perfectly with global sustainability goals, making it an attractive option for municipalities and industries alike. The potential for scalability and integration into existing wastewater treatment infrastructures could pave the way for more environmentally friendly construction practices.
As the construction sector increasingly seeks innovative solutions to environmental challenges, the research led by Yan Zhang could serve as a catalyst for change. The focus on ammonia nitrogen removal not only addresses a critical pollutant but also opens new avenues for resource recovery, setting the stage for a more sustainable future in wastewater management.
For more information on this groundbreaking research and its implications for the construction industry, visit Fujian University of Technology.
