The Observation of Struvite (MgNH4 PO4 .6H2O) Precipitation Using Visual MINTEQ

Abstract

Struvite or Magnesium Ammonium Phosphate Hexahydrate (MgNH₄ PO₄.6H₂O) is one of the precipitates that generally form in the piping system. The formation of struvite in the piping system is one of the serious problems that can cause blockages, reduced flow volume, and pipe diameter so that it will increase maintenance and production costs. This formation of struvite scale in industrial instruments is detrimental; however, struvite can be used as raw material for slow-release fertilizers. This study will observe the effect of pH in the range of 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, and 10 on the formation of struvite compositions, consisting of Mg, NH4, PO4, Ca, and K in the surrounding temperature 35^oC. The results of this study will be observed using visual MINTEQ software. The result shows that the most suitable pH for struvite formation is 9.5.