Towards Quality by Design and process analytical technology for enhanced nutrient recovery from wastewaters

Recovering nutrients from wastewater as sustainable bio-based products provides a key solution to major environmental problems. Classical technology development approaches for resource recovery largely ignore the real-world variability in raw waste materials, which currently hinders the successful implementation of recovery strategies. A major challenge is to create a consistent and environmentally friendly supply of high-quality end-products that can compete with fossil-derived products currently on the market. This paper suggests the use of a Quality by Design approach as adapted from the pharmaceutical industry to ensure a high standard of quality consistency. Key elements of this approach involve mathematical models and integrated design-control strategies that support the production of high-quality marketable end-products from variable input waste and wastewater streams. Further research in terms of cost evaluation and optimisation of such approach for resource recovery applications is needed. A regulatory framework for Process Analytical Technology implementation in the field is also suggested.