Magnesiumammoniumfosfaat

Magnesiumammoniumfosfaat, commonly known as struvite, is a hydrated magnesium ammonium phosphate with the chemical formula MgNH4PO4·6H2O. It is a mineral that forms as crystals when magnesium, ammonium, and phosphate ions are present in sufficient concentrations, particularly under alkaline conditions. Struvite commonly occurs in urine, manure, and wastewater streams, where it can precipitate and accumulate in pipes, tanks, and sludge.

In terms of properties, magnesiumammoniumfosfaat is a colorless to white crystalline solid. It forms hexahydrate crystals and is relatively insoluble in water, with solubility increasing in acidic environments. It can be produced synthetically by controlled precipitation from solutions containing Mg2+, NH4+, and PO4^3- ions.

Applications and significance: Struvite is of interest for nutrient management because it contains valuable phosphorus and magnesium and can act as a slow‑release fertilizer when recovered and processed into pellets or crystals. In wastewater treatment, intentional precipitation of struvite is used to remove phosphate and recover it as a usable product, while also reducing scaling and blockages in pipes and equipment. The recovery of struvite supports phosphorus sustainability and can offset some need for mined phosphate rock.

Safety and handling: As a mineral, it is relatively non-toxic but should be handled according to standard laboratory or industrial chemical safety guidelines.