Investigation into Integrated Phosphorus and Ammonia Recovery in Swine Applications

Recipient Organization
APPLIED ENVIRONMENTAL SOLUTIONS LLC
5600 CHAPIN RD
MADISON,OH 440579583

Performing Department
(N/A)

Non Technical Summary
This project will investigate the reduction of excessive phosphorus and ammonia in deep-pit swine applications using an integrated phosphorus and ammonia recovery solution, with an emphasis on the use of OMRI listed consumables.

Animal Health Component

70%

Research Effort Categories

Basic

10%

Applied

70%

Developmental

20%

Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)	Subject of Investigation (SOI)	Field of Science (FOS)	Percent
102	0210	2000	100%

Knowledge Area
102 - Soil, Plant, Water, Nutrient Relationships;

Subject Of Investigation
0210 - Water resources;

Field Of Science
2000 - Chemistry;

Keywords

Goals / Objectives
Develop and perform bench-scale evaluations/demonstrations of an integrated process that allows for the recovery of both nitrogen (NH4) and phosphorus,Develop models (1) kinetic model for phosphorus recovery and (2) mass transfer model for ammonia recovery - that can be used to further scale-up the integrated process,Confirm the ability to reduce high total phosphorus levels in swine manure operations through its recovery as a valued, well-balanced product, with a goal of 95% recovery,Confirm the ability to reduce ammonium levels in a QW-P treated stream, after removal of the recovered phosphorus precipitate, the goal is 90% recovery,Identify potential market values of the phosphorus and ammonium recovered products to serve as a cost recovery mechanism, as well as the fully treated water, andEvaluate process economics to include annual operating costs, estimated capital costs, and Net Present Value, assuming a 5% discounted rate and 10-year life. These estimates will be developed with and without potential market value of recovered phosphorus and ammonium nutrients. T

Project Methods
This project will focus on the use of laboratory bench tests and small scale pilot units for the evaluation of both phosprhorus recovery and ammonia recovery and the integration of these 2 technologies. Testing will be conducted using both synthetic and field samples. An emphasis on the use of OMRI listed consumables will be made in order to increase the likelihood of certified Organic materials resulting from these processes.

Progress 07/01/23 to 02/05/25

Outputs
Target Audience:The AES strategy is to initially pursue deep-pit swine operations within the Western Lake Erie Basin as they represent a significant segment of the market where potential benefits can be realized. There are several reasons for this strategy, including: 1. There is a growing trend towards the establishment of large centralized anaerobic digestion installations to support the growing Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) market. In these cases, the use of agricultural streams as feedstocks (principally dairy and swine) offer favorable benefits in the generation of RIN (Renewable Identification Numbers) credits. Recently however, several of these projects have been deemphasizing swine manure due to the complexity of cost effectively retrieving manure from deep-pit operations. 2. In areas such as the greater Mercer County (OH) area, which has the highest concentration of livestock operations within the State of Ohio, the importance of manure nutrient management is critical. There are 170 swine operations within Mercer County alone with the average farm raising 1,900 hogs. These combined sites have an inventory of over 317,000 hogs in a very concentrated region. Located within this regional area, Grand Lake Saint Mary (GLSM) which is the largest inland freshwater lake in Ohio serves as the source water for the City of Celina Water Treatment Plan. Unfortunately, GLSM is fed from 6 tributaries which flow through this concentrated area and that contribute to several lake water quality issues. Concentrating on maximizing nutrient recovery of phosphorus and ammonia in a region such as this for swine operations allows for a successful development program to pivot to other animal operations. The key is to be able to achieve this cost effectively. ]A successful Phase I program will provide the foundation for further optimization and development of an integrated approach to being able to cost effectively offer a tailored solution to a given farms' need. Not every farm can justify the cost of a dedicated treatment system so emphasis in a Phase II proposal would be focused on a portable-type design where both phosphorus and ammonia can be recovered more cost effectively and be more widely utilized. Changes/Problems:1. A delay in completion of the subcontract issued to a University resulted in the need to secure a NCE to allow for it to be completed. 2. There are 2 primary consumables the integreated process envisioned. One of these (citric acid for sulfuric acid) is OMRI-listed. The second one (hydrated lime) is not as clearly identifable and appears to Registrar used and how the final product is classified. In a Phase II submittal, funding will be identified to allow for inclusion of a OMRI-recognized Registrar to help identify if the use of hydrated lime can be considered allowable, with or without restrictions, for the recovery of phosphorus. A challenge was also encountered related to reliable gas permeable membrane supply. Traditional supply has been out of China but efforts were undertaken to identify and validate a domestic supply chain to support continued development. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Nothing Reported How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Each farm where technology was demonstrated on hosted multiple outreach events involving stakeholders ranging from producers, regulatory groups (EPA, NRCS, Ohio Department of Agriculture, multiple Soil and Water Conservation Districts, etc...). Additionally, poster presentations and technical papers presented at relevant trade associations. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? 1. Successfully demonstrated bench scale level integrated testing of 3 separate deep pit swine operations to recover both phosphorus and ammonium 2. Completed mass transfer kinetics model for ammonia recovery 3. Demonstrated high total phosphorus reductions in 3 separate farms ranging from 93.1% to 100% 4. Demonstrated ammonium recovery in 3 separate farms after P recovery that ranged from 94.5% to 98.0% 5. Increased value of high P product through pelletizing. Initial estimate of ammonium sulfate produced consistent with current market price. Value of water post treatment consistent with current lagoon water used to support center pivot irrigation from dairy, poultry and swine operations. 6. Capital economics very site dependent. Annual operating costs at 3 separate swine operations averaged $0.006/gallon treated. This does not include the potential market value of products produced.

Publications

Progress 07/01/23 to 06/30/24

Outputs
Target Audience: Nothing Reported Changes/Problems:The request for an NCE was based on the sub-contractee not able to secure the desired resource. This has since been resolved (May 2024) and testing is in progress. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Nothing Reported How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?No results have been disseminated as testing is still in progress. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Complete the workplan developed by the sub-contractee

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? The sub-contract with the University of Toledo has begun with the addition of an investigator by the University. Testing has begun against the sub-contract objectives and results are expected to be completed within summer, 2024.

Publications