FEST: 'Trapping and recycling of phosphorus: Lessons learned from P-TRAP'

Friday Earth Sciences Talk by Dr Thilo Behrends

Over the last four years, I have been a coordinator for P-TRAP, a multinational innovative training network project (H2020-MSC-ITN) aimed at improving the quality of surface waters by reducing the phosphorus (P) load, a nutrient abundant in agricultural runoff. In the presentation, I will explain what an ITN is, our path towards receiving funding for the project, and share some experiences of coordinating this project. Furthermore, scientific highlights from the project will be presented.

The project aimed at improving the quality of surface waters by reducing the external and internal P loading and exploring new pathways for recycling the retained P. Research topics in P-TRAP included:
a) Using iron-containing water treatment residuals (Fe-WTR) to remove P from drainage water in agricultural areas;
b) Converting P loaded Fe-WTR into vivianite (Fe₃(PO₄)₂);
c) Investigating the applicability of vivianite as fertilizer; and
d) Treating lakes with Fe-WTR to reduce internal P loading for improving the water quality.

With the Friday Earth Sciences Talks (FEST) we intend to bring the departments of Earth Sciences and Physical Geography together. The aim is to present (mostly) Utrecht-based Earth Sciences in an accessible way in order i) to stay familiar with each other’s work across disciplines and ii) to help (in particular MSc.) students in their orientation on possible graduation specialisations and future careers. Alumni are also invited.