Phosphorus processes

Phosphorus naturally enters the environment from rocks, fossilized organic matter, or bird droppings. Soluble phosphate forms are created through the weathering and erosion of rocks. As organic waste and plant material decompose, phosphorus is released back into the environment and becomes part of the natural nutrient cycle.

Phosphorus is an essential nutrient for plants, but excessive amounts in water promote the rapid growth of algae and cyanobacteria, which degrades water quality and can cause eutrophication.

High phosphorus levels often enter water due to human activities, such as the use of synthetic fertilizers or through wastewater. Not all phosphorus is absorbed by plants, and some is lost during runoff, settling at the bottom of water bodies. Phosphorus compounds are heavy and tend to accumulate in sediments.

In conventional wastewater treatment systems, phosphorus removal often requires expensive tertiary treatment. Without this stage, phosphorus remains in the system and accumulates, as anaerobic treatment alone is not sufficient to cause settling—phosphorus is often “bound” with organic matter (BOD, COD, and proteins).

The process in the BioCleaner system is different. During biological breakdown, BOD, COD, and proteins are effectively degraded, releasing phosphorus from organic compounds. Gentle mixing allows heavier phosphorus fractions to settle, while a portion of phosphorus is further taken up by phosphorus-accumulating organisms (PAO).

How phosphorus is managed in the BioCleaner system?

Phosphorus removal in the BioCleaner system is not a separate “chemical trick” but a natural combination of biological and physical processes:

1. Organic Matter Breakdown
   In wastewater, phosphorus is often “bound” to BOD, COD, and proteins. The BioCleaner microbial community first breaks down these organics, making phosphorus available for biological processes.

2. Anaerobic and Aerobic Zones
   In anaerobic conditions, phosphorus-accumulating organisms (PAO) convert phosphorus compounds into soluble polyphosphates. Later, in the aerobic zone, these compounds are taken up and stored in the microbial cells as an energy reserve.

3. Gentle Mixing and Settling
   Unlike many conventional systems, BioCleaner provides gentle mixing. This allows heavier particles and phosphorus-rich biomass to settle naturally, preventing phosphorus from being carried away with the treated water.

4. Long-Term Phosphorus Storage
   Over time, a portion of the phosphorus-rich microorganisms die and settle in the biobed. This way, phosphorus is not lost, but safely stored within the system.

5. Phosphorus Recovery
   After 5–10 years, part of the biologically active layer can be removed, further treated, or dried. The accumulated phosphorus can then be used as a fertilizer, supporting a circular economy.

If you want, I can also create a short, visually clear “How it works” block in English, like your Lithuanian version, for the website. It would make it very easy for readers to grasp the process quickly.

Phosphorus processes in the BioCleaner system

To enhance the effectiveness of the BioCleaner OS microorganisms and anaerobic bacterial activity, 5-10% of the wastewater flow is returned to the beginning of the main treatment plant.

Why Biocleaner ?

Eliminates the cause, not masks the effects. Unlike chemical odor neutralisers or masking agents, BioCleaner biodegrades odour-causing compounds into harmless products.

Safe for humans and the environment. The micro-organisms used are naturally harmless to humans, animals and the environment. Their safety has been confirmed by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other international bodies.

Effective even in difficult conditions. Using aerobic and facultative anaerobic micro-organisms, the system works both in the presence and absence of oxygen.

A long-term solution with minimum maintenance. The micro-organisms "live" in the ceramic granules, are resilient and are constantly active. The system does not need to be constantly refilled - a long-lasting, cost-effective and reliable odor control.

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