Red Mud as Adsorbent to Recover Phosphorous from Wastewater Streams

Background: Phosphorous (P) is an essential nutrient with finite and non-renewable resources; however, it can cause eutrophication in freshwater. The use or storage of red mud (RM), a by-product alumina production high iron aluminium content, poses another environmental issue. Objective: This paper examines the possibility P recovery from various wastewaters landfill leachate RM. Methods: Pulverized, on-site pre-treated was used. Synthetic solution, poultry wastewater effluent, spiked effluent municipal treatment plant were examined. Results conclusions: Removal efficiencies 0.41–1.24 mg P/mg RM for effluents 0.10–0.13 P/g resulted decreased phosphorous concentration (0.02–0.57 P/L) each liquid. Despite doses being substantially higher than stoichiometric value (103 RM), dosage increase did not result considerable cost increase. Further investigation progress to insert this solution into existing technologies facilitate excellent quality utilize content mud.