A critical review on approaches for electrolytic manganese residue treatment and disposal technology: Reduction, pretreatment, and reuse

Electrolytic manganese residue (EMR) has become a barrier to the sustainable development of the electrolytic metallic manganese (EMM) industry. EMR has a great potential to harm local ecosystems and human health, due to it contains high concentrations of soluble pollutant, especially NH4+ and Mn-2(+), and also the possible dam break risk because of its huge storage. There seems to be not a mature and stable industrial solution for EMR, though a lot of researches have been done in this area. Hence, by fully considering the EMM ecosystem, we analyzed the characteristics and eco-environmental impact of EMR, highlighted state-of-the-art technologies for EMR reduction, pretreatment, and reuse; indicated the factors that block EMR treatment and disposal; and proposed plausible and feasible suggestions to solve this problem. We hope that the results of this review could help solve the problem of EMR and thus promote the sustainable development of EMM industry.

Automated summary

EMR, a byproduct of the electrolytic metallic manganese industry, poses a potential threat to local ecosystems and human health due to high concentrations of soluble pollutants and the risk of dam break. Despite numerous researches, there is still no mature and stable industrial solution for EMR treatment. State-of-the-art technologies for EMR reduction, pretreatment, and reuse are essential to promote sustainable development of the EMM industry.