magnesiumammoniumfosfaatstenen

Magnesiumammoniumfosfaatstenen, also known as struvite or magnesium ammonium phosphate hexahydrate, are crystalline chemical compounds with the formula MgNH₄PO₄·6H₂O. They are primarily formed through a combination of magnesium ions (Mg²⁺), ammonium ions (NH₄⁺), and phosphate ions (PO₄³⁻) in aqueous solutions. The formation is often facilitated by an increase in pH.

These stones are most commonly encountered as a type of urinary calculus in both humans and animals, particularly cats. In cats, struvite stones are frequently associated with urinary tract infections caused by bacteria that produce urease, an enzyme that hydrolyzes urea into ammonia, thus raising the urine pH. Diet also plays a role, with high levels of magnesium, phosphorus, and protein contributing to their formation.

Beyond biological contexts, magnesiumammoniumfosfaatstenen can also form in industrial processes and wastewater treatment facilities. They are a component of some types of fertilizer. While they can be a nuisance in plumbing and wastewater systems, their formation can sometimes be exploited for nutrient recovery in specific applications. Analysis of struvite stones can provide insights into the conditions under which they formed, including the chemical composition of the surrounding environment.