Which nutrient is commonly recovered from wastewater during treatment?

Nitrogen is commonly recovered from wastewater during treatment because it is a significant nutrient that can lead to pollution if not managed properly. The treatment process aims to remove or convert nitrogen compounds—such as ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate—into forms that can be utilized or safely released into the environment.

In wastewater treatment, nitrogen is predominantly found in organic compounds and as ammonia. Biological treatment processes often involve the use of certain bacteria that convert these nitrogenous compounds into less harmful forms. Technologies such as nitrification and denitrification are specifically designed to recover nitrogen from wastewater while minimizing its environmental impact, particularly to prevent eutrophication in receiving water bodies.

In contrast, the other nutrients listed such as sodium, calcium, and magnesium, are less commonly focused on for recovery during standard wastewater treatment processes. While they do play roles in various applications and can be present in wastewater, nitrogen is a primary focus due to its profound impacts on environmental quality and public health, thus making it a common target for recovery in wastewater treatment efforts.