Preparation of struvite from desalination waste

This research aims to study the preparation of struvite with the desalination waste (brine water) as magnesium source. In the present work, it has studied the precipitation of struvite and controlling struvite crystallization. The precipitation of struvite was investigated in desalination waste containing Mg:N:P molar ratio 1:1:1; 1:1:2 and 1:2:1 at room temperature on pH 9.10 and 11, respectively. Characterization of struvite crystal was performed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR); field-emission scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Thermogravimetry Analysis (TGA)/Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA) and BET surface area analysis. The XRD analysis showed that struvite crystallization was formed. FTIR spectra of struvite revealed the presence of water of hydration, PO bond, NH bond, and metal-oxygen bond. SEM images suggested that struvite had the irregular shape in different morphologies. From TGA/DTA analysis, the struvite crystal is unstable thermally and the loss of water of hydration starts above room temperature. BET data showed that the struvite pore was mesopores which are textural pores occurred with aggregates of plate-like particles.