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The objective for this project was to demonstrate the feasibility of an innovative waste treatment technology that is capable of removing a minimum of 75 percent of the nutrients contained in the waste stream produced by a dairy farm in Florida. The basis of the demonstration project was to utilize an existing pond system, through the addition of aeration, chemical treatment using ferric sulfate and a polymeric ion exchange unit using a synthetic resin designed to preferentially sorb phosphate ions, to provide the required degree of phosphorus (P) reduction, while using affordable construction methods, and with reasonable short and long-term operating expenses.

Study results showed that in general there is a 39% reduction in total P concentration following treatment through anaerobic settling pond, a 56% reduction following aeration, a 96% reduction following chemical treatment, and a 99% reduction after final treatment through the ion exchange column.

The startup phase of this project carries the bulk of the financial burden, as it includes engineering, planning, permitting, testing, construction, and initial startup activities covering the first year of operation. The startup cost per unit process corresponded to $25.55, $49.02, $33.16, and $293.71 dollars per one pound P reduction for the separation, aeration, chemical treatment, and ion treatment processes, respectively. Projected operation and maintenance costs for each unit process are $4.28, $4.07, $3.08, and $18.63 per one pound P reduction for the separation, aeration, chemical treatment, and ion treatment processes, respectively.