You ask and we answer! MgWater Technical Director Matt Madolora offers solutions to common water treatment problems.

QUESTION: What are the benefits of using magnesium hydroxide for struvite recovery?

ANSWER: Struvite forms when magnesium, ammonium and phosphate are present in a wastewater treatment system and the pH is elevated (typically above 8). One main advantage of magnesium hydroxide is its dual role in providing magnesium supply and pH adjustment. Magnesium hydroxide dissolves slowly, helping to maintain an optimal targeted pH range that promotes struvite crystallization without abrupt swings in pH or extreme alkalinity. It works as a buffer, providing a consistent way to control the chemistry and type of struvite precipitation while protecting downstream processes. 

Premier uses modelling tools to prescribe a chemistry environment using magnesium hydroxide to improve struvite quality, type and capture. Wastewater treatment plants can efficiently remove N and P as struvite in order to help meet their plant’s nutrient treatment needs, while driving additional process improvements such as improved biosolids dewaterability and management.

Would you like to connect with one of our technical experts at Premier Magnesia to talk about the superior quality of our magnesium hydroxide? Click here for more info or contact us today.