Project “F.O.S.F.O.R.O. – Sustainable Organic Sludge for the Future: Optimization of the Recovery of Orthophosphates and Other Nutrients”

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The project aims to develop and optimize processes for the extraction of phosphorus and other nutrients during wastewater treatment and from the ashes generated by sludge combustion, in order to enhance their reuse in both fertilizer production and the development of new materials. This approach is aligned with the objectives of the European Green Deal, the new European directive on urban wastewater treatment, and the growing challenges related to the disposal and recovery of sewage sludge.

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Phosphorus is essential for agriculture and numerous industrial processes, yet its natural availability is limited and concentrated in only a few countries. The European Commission has identified it as a critical raw material and considers its recovery from alternative sources a strategic priority. The project originates in Lombardy, where approximately one million tons of sludge are managed each year. It plans to implement and test innovative technologies for phosphorus extraction and recovery from the wastewater cycle, with the goal of overcoming the limitations of other recovery methods, which are increasingly subject to restrictions due to new quality standards addressing known pollutants and so-called “emerging contaminants.”

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In this context, sludge combustion plays a key role: in addition to contributing to the energy neutrality of wastewater treatment, it promotes the recovery of phosphorus and other inorganic nutrients in forms that may be free from these critical issues.

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In synergy with all project partners, the analysis and collection of data on the processes and methodologies developed during the project will enable the acquisition of valuable knowledge and expertise. This will help expand the technical and scientific landscape related to nutrient and material recovery, while providing insights into technical and economic feasibility as well as environmental sustainability.

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The project, approved by Decree No. 11093 of August 1, 2025, started in September 2025 and will conclude in November 2027. It involves a total investment of approximately €3.5 million, of which €1.7 million is funded through the Collabora & Innova Call under the Regional FESR Program 2021–2027, dedicated to research and innovation initiatives of the Lombardy Region.

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Purpose and Objectives

The initiative foresees the application of innovative technologies, including chemical, thermal, and biological processes, to achieve the following objectives:

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• Nutrient recovery: development of new solutions for the extraction and recovery of phosphorus and other nutrients from sludge and ashes.

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• Waste reduction and energy improvement: reduction of waste volumes and production of energy from renewable sources through the optimization of sludge treatment processes.

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• Development of new materials: production of polymers, biopolymers, and other materials using residues from the treatment processes.

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• Sustainability analysis: assessment of the economic and environmental sustainability of the proposed solutions.

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• Development of new sustainable industrial value chains: involvement of schools, stakeholders, and local policymakers to promote new sustainable industrial value chains in Lombardy.

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Project Partners

The project is coordinated by A2A Ambiente. The partnership includes MM S.p.A., Seam Engineering S.r.l., VOMM Impianti e Processi S.p.A., Arcadia Consulting S.r.l., lsinnova S.r.l., and the University of Brescia, with the support of the LE2C Cluster – Lombardy Energy (LE2C).

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To learn more, visit the official project page

https://www.gruppoa2a.it/it/progetti/partnership/fosforo-fanghi-nuova-risorsa-economia-circolare

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IMPLEMENTED WITH THE SUPPORT OF: