Assessment of Recovered Struvite as a Safe and Sustainable Phosphorous Fertilizer

Phosphorus (P) is an essential nutrient for crops. Modern agriculture dependent on P derived from phosphate rock, which a non-renewable resource that becoming increasingly scarce and expensive. Therefore, it necessary to identify alternative sources of develop novel technologies its recovery. Such are focused the recovery struvite (MgNH4PO4·6H2O) (STR) urban wastewater. A reduction in effluents decreases risk eutrophication while allowing this mineral be recovered reused. Here we applied STR wastewater three different soils examined slow-release properties. We performed soil column leaching study compared results treated with those amended conventional phosphorous fertilizers, namely NPK, ammonium (MAP), superphosphate (SSP). Phosphate capacity followed order MAP ~ NPK > SSP was consistent rate water solubility. Analysis after process showed differences available P, highest content being found STR. The were obtained assay. behaves as fertilizer reduces fertilizers tested.