Innovative Solution to reduce Nitrogen and Phosphorous from Treated Sewage using High Rate Algal Ponds

Abstract

The Ayr/Brandon Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP) is typical of many WWTPs in the catchment of the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) which treat sewage to a secondary standard. The existing treatment processes at the plant effectively meets current licence standards but cannot meet contemporary standards for the removal of nitrogen and phosphorous, as it was not designed for this purpose. Taking the lead from the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection (DEHP) goal to deliver an overall improvement in the health of Queensland waterways, the Burdekin Shire Council (BSC) has partnered with MBD Energy Ltd and James Cook University (JCU) to conduct trials to determine the efficacy of culturing macro algae (Oedogonium) to bio-remediate nitrogen and phosphorous from the discharge effluent of the Ayr/Brandon WWTP. The aim of the trial was to determine “proof of concept” feasibility of the cultivation of the freshwater macroalgae, Oedogonium Intermedium, to remediate waste nitrogen and phosphorous from the discharge effluent at the Ayr/Brandon WWTP as these two nutrients represent the greatest threat to the ongoing health of the Great Barrier Reef. In looking outside of the square the Burdekin Shire Council welcomes the opportunity to consider a new and innovative approach to reducing environmental impacts on the Great Barrier Reef lagoon and upstream catchments.