Nutrient recovery and recycling from wastewater in Ireland, policy gaps and recommendations

A desktop research study commissioned by the Water Forum was carried out by Dr Mattheo Gilberti and Dr Recep Kaan Dereli from the School of Chemical and Bioprocesses Engineering at UCD and presented to the Forum Water Services Standing Committee last week.

The research highlights that nutrient recovery from wastewater can play a crucial role in improving the quality of
Ireland’s waterbodies, while reducing  (a) the dependency on fertiliser imports that are increasing less available and more expensive and (b) the energy consumption of the wastewater treatment sector therefore also reducing operating costs and Greenhouse gas emissions.

Further additional benefits include:

• Reduction in excess nutrients being released to the environment, contributing to water quality objectives of
  the Water Framework Directive (e.g. reducing pressures related to treated wastewater discharge)
• Contributes to the circular economy and meeting the UN SDG objectives 6, 11, 12 and 14 and it contributes to the Foodwise 2030 Mission 1 and Goals 2,3,and 6.

The report is available at:

Research Report – Nutrient recovery and recycling from wastewater in Ireland, associated policy gaps and recommendations.

The Policy Brief is available here:

Policy Brief – Nutrient recovery and recycling from wastewater in Ireland, associated policy gaps and recommendations.