Abstract
In this present work, the transformation of the Moroccan phosphogypsum (PG) waste, considered a potential source of sulfate, into potassium sulfate compound could help reduce environmental impact and create a new value chain for the phosphate industry. Generally, solid–liquid equilibria are frequently applied in chemical industries. They are a valuable aid in visualizing the precipitation, separation, and purification of a solid phase and the pathways by which crystallization can occur. This process aims to produce potassium sulfate (K2SO4), a high-value fertilizer, from sulfate solutions obtained after dissolving PG in a NaOH medium. The quaternary phase diagram Na+, K+//Cl−, SO42−-H2O at 25 °C was especially used to determine the operating conditions and the design of a crystallization process during the PG conversion into K2SO4. The Jänecke representation of this system enables the determination of the optimal trajectory in the phase diagram for the double decomposition reaction. X-ray fluorescent (XRF) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques were conducted to identify the crystalline phases formed during our process. In summary, the results of this study could contribute to the development of a sustainable valorization PG. Furthermore, K2SO4 represents a good alternative to potassium chloride for chloride-sensitive crops.
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The authors would like to acknowledge the support provided by the University of Ibn Zohr, Faculty of Sciences Agadir, through the research project APUiz/2018.
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Brahim Bouargane: investigation, methodology, conceptualization, visualization, and writing original draft. Khaoula Laaboubi: investigation, experimental methodology, and visualization. Moreno Silvia Pérez: characterization and analysis. Bahcine Bakiz: writing—review and editing. Ali Atbir: visualization, review and editing, supervision, project administration, and resource acquisition. Juan Pedro Bolívar Raya: supervision, project administration, review and editing, and resource acquisition.
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Highlights
• The transformation of the Moroccan PG waste into K2SO4 was done.
• The quaternary phase diagram Na+, K+//Cl-, SO42--H2O at 25 °C was used to determine the operating conditions of the PG conversion to K2SO4.
• The main advantage of this process over the conventional process is that it does not require the use of commercial Na2SO4 or synthetic gypsum but only PG waste.
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Laaboubi, K., Bouargane, B., Moreno, S.P. et al. Continuous and simultaneous conversion of phosphogypsum waste to sodium sulfate and potassium sulfate using quaternary phase diagram. Environ Sci Pollut Res 30, 37344–37356 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-022-24799-4
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-022-24799-4