What does nutrient recovery in wastewater treatment involve?

Nutrient recovery in wastewater treatment specifically involves extracting and reusing valuable nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, from the wastewater. This process not only helps in reducing the environmental impact of nutrient discharge into water bodies but also allows for the recycling of these nutrients, which can be used in agricultural applications or as fertilizers.

By recovering nutrients, wastewater treatment facilities can contribute to a circular economy, promoting sustainability and reducing the reliance on synthetic fertilizers. This aspect of wastewater management aligns with modern environmental practices aimed at minimizing waste and maximizing resource recovery.

In contrast, the other options focus on different aspects of wastewater management. Proper disposal of waste materials is essential but does not directly involve nutrient extraction. Filtering solids pertains to the physical treatment process rather than nutrient recovery. Reducing water temperature during treatment is not related to nutrients, but rather to the control of biological processes and overall treatment efficiency. Hence, the focus on extracting and reusing nutrients is what defines nutrient recovery in wastewater treatment.