Taiwan plans phosphorus recovery at wastewater treatment plants

台灣計劃在污水處理廠回收磷

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The environment ministry said that it plans to set up phosphorus recovery systems at 21 wastewater treatment plants to convert phosphorus into industrial raw materials and reduce Taiwan’s reliance on imports.

At a wastewater treatment forum on Wednesday, the ministry said that Taiwan loses up to 6,000 tonnes of phosphorus annually through sewage, mainly from detergents, human and animal waste, agricultural fertilizers, and industrial wastewater, per CNA. Excess phosphorus in rivers can trigger algal blooms that affect aquatic life.

Taiwan remains heavily dependent on imported phosphorus, with imports of phosphate rock powder totaling approximately NT$934 million (US$30 million) in 2024. As phosphorus is a critical component in fertilizers, chemicals, electronics, food products, and pharmaceuticals, its loss represents a waste of a valuable resource, the ministry said.

The ministry plans to use the crystallization method to recover phosphorus at wastewater treatment facilities. Unlike traditional treatment, which mainly relies on chemical settling, this method uses advanced crystallization and membrane technologies to help save energy and reduce costs.

The ministry said that Taiwan Fertilizer Co. has partnered with the Agricultural Chemicals Research Institute to develop a new type of fertilizer that releases phosphorus accumulated in the soil, allowing crops to reuse it, reduce the need for additional fertilizer, and support sustainable agriculture.

The ministry also highlighted the importance of reducing carbon emissions from wastewater treatment facilities, noting that plants nationwide emit around 260,000 tonnes of carbon annually. To address this, they will adopt smart management systems and low-carbon designs.

The ministry added that it also plans to launch integrated wastewater treatment systems in small communities and rural areas. These facilities, featuring electrolysis and disinfection technologies, can remove nitrogen, phosphorus, and organic matter from domestic wastewater. They are compact and easy to install and can be integrated into landscape designs.