A review of the application of iron oxides for phosphorus removal and recovery from wastewater
Shi-Xu Wang, Yun-Xin Huang, Qifan Wu, Wei Yao, Yaoyao Lu, Bao‐Cheng Huang, Ren‐Cun Jin
Abstract
Phosphorus is a limiting factor for eutrophication while also an important nonrenewable resource. Adsorption is one of the most efficient phosphorus pollution control technologies and phosphorus recovery can be promisingly achieved after desorption. The use of iron oxides as adsorbents to remove phosphorus has been extensively studied, due to merits of high adsorption capacity, high selectivity, as well as environmental benign. However, their effectiveness and feasibility in practical applications are still challenged. This review summarized the current achievements of using iron oxides and their modified products to remove phosphorus from wastewater. Phosphorus removal mechanisms and strategies for improving the performance of different types of iron oxide-based adsorbents were summarized. Moreover, the potential methods of phosphorus desorption and subsequent recovery were summarized. Finally, the future challenges on the practical application of iron oxides in phosphorus recovery from wastewater were discussed. This review might provide guidance for the development and application of adsorption-based phosphorus recovery technology.