Effects of heavy metal ions Cu2+/Pb2+/Zn2+ on kinetic rate constants of struvite crystallization

Struvite (MAP) crystallization technology is widely used to treat ammonia nitrogen in waste effluents of its simple operation and good removal efficiency. However, the presence of heavy metal ions in the waste effluents causes problems such as slow crystallization rate and small crystal size, limiting the recovery rate and economic value of the MAP. The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of concentrations of three heavy metal ions (Cu 2+ , Zn 2+ , and Pb 2+ ) on the crystal morphology, crystal size, average growth rate, and crystallization kinetics of MAP. A relationship was established between the kinetic rate constant K t calculated by the chemical gradient model and the concentrations of heavy metal ions. The results showed that low concentrations of heavy metal ions in the solution created pits on the MAP surface, and high level of heavy metal ions generated flocs on the MAP surface, which were composed of metal hydroxides, thus inhibiting crystal growth. The crystal size, average growth rate, MAP crystallization rate, and kinetic rate constant K t decreased with the increase in heavy metal ion concentration. Moreover, the K t demonstrated a linear relationship with the heavy metal concentration ln( C / C* ), which provided a reference for the optimization of the MAP crystallization process in the presence of heavy metal ions.