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A Study on the Situation and Learnings of the Precipitant Shortage in the German Wastewater Sector

Author

Listed:
  • Cora Eichholz

    (Department of Urban Water Management, Technical University of Berlin, 13355 Berlin, Germany
    The correspondence author is also the main author.)

  • Matthias Barjenbruch

    (Department of Urban Water Management, Technical University of Berlin, 13355 Berlin, Germany)

  • Claus-Gerhard Bannick

    (Department of Wastewater Technology Research and Wastewater Disposal, German Environment Agency, 14195 Berlin, Germany)

  • Peter Hartwig

    (Aqua & Waste International GmbH, 30177 Hannover, Germany)

Abstract

Wastewater treatment companies are particularly confronted by the energy and supply crisis resulting from the war in the Ukraine. More specifically, production and supply problems with precipitant production have shown that today’s wastewater treatment technology in Germany is not crisis-proofed and must become more resilient. The aim of this paper was to determine a required precipitant quantity for Germany with regard to chemical phosphorus elimination, as well as the expected shortfalls due to the shortage situation. Furthermore, possible solutions were identified for how the precipitant can be saved or substituted. Study surveys were conducted to gather data for a meaningful response regarding the operators (wastewater treatment plants, industry, and water suppliers), manufacturers, and the German federal states. A recommendation is given on what a path to more resilient wastewater management with a focus on phosphorus elimination could look like. Based on the data obtained, the report focused on wastewater engineering issues for wastewater treatment plants and industry. The results of the study are relevant for decision-makers, researchers, and operators in the wastewater sector in order to intervene in the market themselves if necessary, e.g., money for production or conversion to biological phosphorus elimination.

Suggested Citation

  • Cora Eichholz & Matthias Barjenbruch & Claus-Gerhard Bannick & Peter Hartwig, 2023. "A Study on the Situation and Learnings of the Precipitant Shortage in the German Wastewater Sector," Resources, MDPI, vol. 13(1), pages 1-16, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jresou:v:13:y:2023:i:1:p:1-:d:1304482
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Gordon Rausser & Wadim Strielkowski & Grzegorz Mentel, 2023. "Consumer Attitudes toward Energy Reduction and Changing Energy Consumption Behaviors," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(3), pages 1-5, February.
    2. Saba Daneshgar & Arianna Callegari & Andrea G. Capodaglio & David Vaccari, 2018. "The Potential Phosphorus Crisis: Resource Conservation and Possible Escape Technologies: A Review," Resources, MDPI, vol. 7(2), pages 1-22, June.
    3. Goshu Desalegn & Anita Tangl & Maria Fekete-Farkas, 2022. "From Short-Term Risk to Long-Term Strategic Challenges: Reviewing the Consequences of Geopolitics and COVID-19 on Economic Performance," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(21), pages 1-22, November.
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