Effects of heavy metal ions Cu2+/Pb2+/Zn2+ on kinetic rate constants of struvite crystallization

Struvite (MAP) crystallization technology is widely used to treat ammonia nitrogen in waste effluents of its simple operation and good removal efficiency. However, the presence of heavy metal ions in the waste effluents causes problems such as slow crystallization rate and small crystal size, limiting the recovery rate and economic value of the MAP. The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of concentrations of three heavy metal ions (Cu2+, Zn2+, and Pb2+) on the crystal morphology, crystal size, average growth rate, and crystallization kinetics of MAP. A relationship was established between the kinetic rate constant Kt calculated by the chemical gradient model and the concentrations of heavy metal ions. The results showed that low concentrations of heavy metal ions in the solution created pits on the MAP surface, and high level of heavy metal ions generated flocs on the MAP surface, which were composed of metal hydroxides, thus inhibiting crystal growth. The crystal size, average growth rate, MAP crystallization rate, and kinetic rate constant Kt decreased with the increase in heavy metal ion concentration. Moreover, the Kt demonstrated a linear relationship with the heavy metal concentration ln(C/C*), which provided a reference for the optimization of the MAP crystallization process in the presence of heavy metal ions. (c) 2022 The Chemical Industry and Engineering Society of China, and Chemical Industry Press Co., Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Struvite (MAP) crystallization technology is widely employed for ammonia nitrogen treatment due to its simplicity and high removal efficiency. However, the presence of heavy metal ions in waste effluents hampers crystal growth, leading to slow crystallization rates and small crystal sizes, thus limiting MAP recovery and economic value. This study investigated the effects of three heavy metal ions (Cu2+, Zn2+, and Pb2+) concentrations on crystal morphology, size, growth rate, and crystallization kinetics of MAP. A relationship was established between the kinetic rate constant Kt and heavy metal ion concentrations, providing guidance for optimizing the MAP crystallization process in the presence of heavy metal ions.