Simultaneous immobilization of NH(4)(+) and Mn(2+) from electrolytic manganese residue using phosphate and magnesium sources

Immobilization of contaminants from electrolytic manganese residue (EMR) is essential for the safe stacking and reuse of EMR. This study provides experiment results for the simultaneous immobilization of NH(4)(+) and Mn(2+) from EMR using Na(3)PO(4)·12H(2)O and MgSO(4)·7H(2)O (PS) agents, as well as Na(3)PO(4)·12H(2)O and MgO (PO) agents. The optimum reaction conditions, characteristics of immobilization, mechanism and the economy of alternative chemicals were determined and are discussed. The results indicated that the immobilization efficiencies of NH(4)(+) and Mn(2+) were 92.4% and 99.9% respectively under the following conditions: a MgSO(4)·7H(2)O : Na(3)PO(4)·12H(2)O : EMR mass ratio of 0.113 : 0.175 : 1, a CaO : EMR mass ratio of 0.03 : 1 and a reaction time of 1 h using PS agents. The concentration of NH(4)(+) in the leach liquor reduced from 1264 to 98 mg L(−1) after immobilization. The concentration of heavy metal ions decreased sharply in the leach liquor and met the Integrated Wastewater Discharge Standard of China (GB8978-1996). The characteristics of immobilization indicated that NH(4)(+) was immobilized to form NH(4)MgPO(4)·6H(2)O and that Mn(2+) was immobilized to form Mn(5)(PO(4))(2)(OH)(4), Mn(3)(PO(4))(2)·3H(2)O and Mn(OH)(2). An economic evaluation showed that using PS agents had lower associated cost than using PO agents.