How Magnesium Helps Clean Water and Fights the Cold

Magnesium (Mg) is a game-changer in wastewater treatment. It does more than just help remove nitrogen and recover phosphorus. It also helps the process work better in cold temperatures. In cold weather, around 13. 4°C, adding Mg boosts nitrogen removal by 23% compared to not using Mg. This is big news for places with cold climates. Mg helps bacteria work better by improving their energy use and electron transfer. Mg also helps bacteria stick together. It increases the production of sticky proteins and makes them more hydrophobic. This helps form granules, which are easier to handle in treatment plants.The bacteria in these systems work together well. About 73% of their interactions are positive. The main players are anammox bacteria and denitrifiers. Other bacteria help indirectly, making the whole system more efficient. This process is reliable even in cold weather. It shows that Mg is key to making wastewater treatment work well all year round. This is important for making sure our water stays clean, no matter the weather.