Blog Archives

“Legacy P” Poses Long-Term Challenge To Water Quality

Phosphorus is essential for farming, but excess amounts often wash into waterways, fueling harmful algal blooms. Even more concerning is “legacy phosphorus” — nutrients that have built up in soil over decades. When heavy rains or erosion occur, this old phosphorus can be released into streams and lakes, worsening water pollution. As climate change increases intense rainfall, managing legacy P will be a growing challenge for water quality in the Midwest.

Read the full article on our website: “Legacy P” Poses Long-Term Challenge to Water Quality

Agriculture Phosphorus

Turning Phosphorus in Wastewater into Fertilizer

Chicago’s Stickney Water Reclamation Plant is reducing its phosphorus pollution by turning wastewater into nutrient-rich fertilizer “pearls.” This $31 million project could produce up to 10,000 tons of slow-release fertilizer annually and cut phosphorus discharges by 30%.

Read the full article on our website: Turning Phosphorus in Wastewater into Fertilizer

Stickney Water Reclamation Plant