Grontmij has developed an effective method of removing ammonia from wastewaters arising from sludge treatment processes. Ammonia is a significant source of environmental damage to rivers and waterways.

Proven technology
The Stable High Rate Ammonia Removal Over Nitrate (SHARON) process has been used commercially for over ten years. To date it has been incorporated into six treatment plants in the Netherlands and a new high capacity plant is due for completion in New York during March 2009.

Many alternative ammonia removal techniques are still at the research stage and SHARON also offers operational cost savings over its competitors.

UK interest
Having already established an international foothold, Anglian Water is in the process of introducing SHARON at their Whitlingham sewage treatment works. United Utilities has also expressed an interest in adopting the patented SHARON technology. 

Principal engineer Gordon Thomas summarises, “This innovative process can be incorporated into existing treatment facilities and provides water companies with a proven means of minimising their environmental impact. We are anticipating strong uptake of SHARON both in the UK and worldwide.”

Press coverage
The SHARON process recently received extensive coverage in the NCE journal. This journal is published 45 times a year and has a circulation of about 55000 readers. Its main targetgroups are consulting engineers, contractors and the public sector.