Struvite formation and decomposition characteristics for ammonia and phosphorus recovery: A review of magnesium-ammonia-phosphate interactions.

Title Struvite formation and decomposition characteristics for ammonia and phosphorus recovery: A review of magnesium-ammonia-phosphate interactions.
Authors B. Tansel; G. Lunn; O. Monje
Journal Chemosphere
DOI 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2017.12.004
Abstract

Struvite (MgNH4PO4·6H2O) forms in aqueous systems with high ammonia and phosphate concentrations. However, conditions that result into struvite formation are highly dependent on the ionic compositions, temperature, pH, and ion speciation characteristics. The primary ions involved in struvite formation have complex interactions and can form different crystals depending on the ionic levels, pH and temperature. Struvite as well as struvite analogues (with substitution of monovalent cations for NH4+ or divalent cations for Mg2+) as well as other crystals can form simultaneously and result in changes in crystal morphology during crystal growth. This review provides the results from experimental and theoretical studies on struvite formation and decomposition studies. Characteristics of NH4+ or divalent cations for Mg2+ were evaluated in comparison to monovalent and divalent ions for formation of struvite and its analogues. Struvite crystals forming in wastewater systems are likely to contain crystals other than struvite due to ionic interactions, pH changes, temperature effects and clustering of ions during nucleation and crystal growth. Decomposition of struvite occurs following a series of reactions depending on the rate of heating, temperature and availability of water during heating.

Citation B. Tansel; G. Lunn; O. Monje.Struvite formation and decomposition characteristics for ammonia and phosphorus recovery: A review of magnesium-ammonia-phosphate interactions.. Chemosphere. 2018;194:504514. doi:10.1016/j.chemosphere.2017.12.004

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Magnesium

Magnesium Bohr ModelSee more Magnesium products. Magnesium (atomic symbol: Mg, atomic number: 12) is a Block S, Group 2, Period 3 element with an atomic mass of 24.3050. The number of electrons in each of Magnesium's shells is [2, 8, 2] and its electron configuration is [Ne] 3s2. The magnesium atom has a radius of 160 pm and a Van der Waals radius of 173 pm. Magnesium was discovered by Joseph Black in 1775 and first isolated by Sir Humphrey Davy in 1808. Magnesium is the eighth most abundant element in the earth's crust and the fourth most common element in the earth as a whole. Elemental MagnesiumIn its elemental form, magnesium has a shiny grey metallic appearance and is an extremely reactive. It is can be found in minerals such as brucite, carnallite, dolomite, magnesite, olivine and talc. Commercially, magnesium is primarily used in the creation of strong and lightweight aluminum-magnesium alloys, which have numerous advantages in industrial applications. The name "Magnesium" originates from a Greek district in Thessaly called Magnesia.

Phosphorus

Phosphorus Bohr ModelSee more Phosphorus products. Phosphorus (atomic symbol: P, atomic number: 15) is a Block P, Group 15, Period 3 element. The number of electrons in each of Phosphorus's shells is 2, 8, 5 and its electronic configuration is [Ne] 3s2 3p3. The phosphorus atom has a radius of 110.5.pm and its Van der Waals radius is 180.pm. Phosphorus is a highly-reactive non-metallic element (sometimes considered a metalloid) with two primary allotropes, white phosphorus and red phosphorus its black flaky appearance is similar to graphitic carbon. Compound forms of phosphorus include phosphates and phosphides. Phosphorous was first recognized as an element by Hennig Brand in 1669 its name (phosphorus mirabilis, or "bearer of light") was inspired from the brilliant glow emitted by its distillation.

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