Mechanochemically Synthesized Nitrogen-Efficient Mg- and Zn-Ammonium Carbonate Fertilizers

Author(s)

Brondi, Mariana Govoni ; Bortoletto-Santos, Ricardo ; Farias, Julia Gomes ; Farinas, Cristiane Sanchez ; Ammar, Mohammed ; Ribeiro, Caue ; Williams, Clinton ; Baltrusaitis, Jonas

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING; v. 12, n. 16, p. 12-pg., 2024-04-12.

Abstract

New scalable methods are needed to provide sustainable solutions for nutrient recovery in the form of solid fertilizer materials and their environmental stabilization from anaerobic digestion liquid byproducts. In this work, two nutrient metal containing double salts, Mg(NH4)(2)(CO3)(2)center dot 4H(2)O and Zn(NH3)CO3, were synthesized using naturally abundant Mg- and Zn-carbonate minerals and ammonium (bi)carbonate salts. This constituted a conceptually new synthetic approach, different from the previous work in which the aqueous solution was utilized. We also showed that the materials could be easily scaled to 20 g quantities sufficient for soil testing. The crystalline structure of the resulting materials was confirmed using powder XRD and thermal analysis showed properties distinctly different from those of parent ammonium (bi)carbonates. Accordingly, a reduction in NH3 volatilization in soil was measured with up to 20% more NH4+ recovered after the soil experiments at 80% water holding capacity. Further, inhibition of the agriculture-beneficial bacteria Bacillus subtillis in a nutrient medium was dramatically reduced when compared to the ammonium bicarbonate alone, suggesting decreased negative effects on soil biota. Finally, Mg(NH4)(2)(CO3)(2)center dot 4H(2)O and Zn(NH3)CO3 matched the kinetic nitrogen need of lettuce plants better than the ammonium carbonate control while also keeping it in a form that will be available in the future. The utility of magnesium and zinc double salts in agriculture is paramount if environmentally benign and nutrient-efficient fertilizers from liquid digestate waste are to be enabled. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 20/12210-3 - Development of technological alternatives for the use of ETA sludge as raw material for the production of controlled release fertilizers
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Research Partnership for Technological Innovation - PITE
• FAPESP's process: 23/01549-8 - Development of wet mechanochemical treatment for the use of WTP sludge as raw material for the production of controlled-release fertilizers
• Grantee: Cauê Ribeiro de Oliveira
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants