Spatially decoupled electrochemical strategy for lime passivation prevention and sustainable phosphate recovery.

ABSTRACT: Lime-based precipitation, though widely adopted for wastewater phosphorus (P) removal, suffers from surface passivation. The passivation layer inhibits Ca²⁺ release, forcing excessive dosing while yielding low-quality sludge and effluent with elevated hardness and pH. Limestone, despite its economic and environmental benefits, exhibits limited efficacy under fluctuating alkalinity. Here, we develop a limestone-integrated electrochemical system that spatially decouples the dissolution and precipitation reactions. By strategically positioning limestone at the acidic anode, we ensure sustained Ca²⁺ release without passivation, while cathodic alkalinity enables efficient P recovery (85.7%). The system produces high-purity products (15.2 wt% P) at low energy consumption (1

SUBMITTER: Zhan Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12775475 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature