The Value of Wastewater Derived Struvite as a Source of Phosphorus Fertilizer

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Abstract
Struvite is recovered using Mg(OH)2 from domestic wastewater and is use as a phosphorus (P) fertilizer. The efficiency of the waste derived struvite (WDS) is compared with synthetic struvite (SS) derived using MgCl2 and synthetic monocalcium phosphate (MCP) in three greenhouse pot experiments. The P application rates tested are 15, 30, 60, and 120 mg kg−1 in a P deficient ferrosol with maize. The maize growth for the MCP treatments is significantly higher than WDS (p < 0.01) and SS (p < 0.02) across all application rates. P uptake of MCP is 22 times higher compared to WDS treated plants. The WDS proves completely ineffective for the plant growth, with evidence that residual levels of associated Mg(OH)2 in the WDS reduced the availability of P. Biomass calcium and magnesium concentrations are higher for the treatments in presence of Mg(OH)2. Added Mg(OH)2 also reduced maize response to other forms of P fertilizer, the effects being significant, particularly when they are applied together as a spot placement below maize seedling.
Funding Information
  • Grains Research and Development Corporation (Australia) (UQ00061: Fertilizer from Wastes Phase II)

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