Magnesium hydroxide slurry is an effective non-carbonate alkalinity source. Due to its solubility and low reactive pH, it is virtually harmless to humans or the environment. For those concerned about safety and the environment, magnesium hydroxide slurry is a responsible, safe alternative to hazardous chemicals.
Hebei Messi Biology Co., Ltd.’s high-purity magnesium hydroxide slurry products have a wide range of applications. Magnesium hydroxide slurry has been effectively used in aerobic and anaerobic biological treatment systems in meat processing plants, bakeries, chemical processing plants, and municipalities. This article will discuss the advantages of magnesium hydroxide over slaked lime and caustic soda and present case studies where magnesium hydroxide slurry has been successfully used for aerobic and anaerobic treatment of municipal and industrial wastewater.
In wastewater treatment, microorganisms convert waste into cellular tissue and gaseous, liquid, or solid conversion products. In order for microorganisms to continue to multiply and function properly, optimal growth conditions such as pH, nutrient availability, and alkalinity must exist. Municipal sewage generally contains sufficient alkalinity to support biological conversion of organic waste; however, in some cases, alkalinity is insufficient to maintain optimal bacterial growth conditions. Typically, a base, such as caustic soda or lime, must be added to the wastewater stream to provide alkalinity and keep the pH within the optimal range. Currently, caustic soda and lime users are switching to magnesium hydroxide slurry because of its advantages in biological treatment.
Recognized as the “milk of magnesium” for wastewater treatment, magnesium hydroxide slurry has been widely used for heavy metal precipitation and acid neutralization of industrial wastewater.
Many industrial and municipal wastewater facilities are now converting to magnesium hydroxide for use in aerobic and anaerobic biological treatment systems. With magnesium hydroxide slurry, nutrients in the form of magnesium are readily available to microorganisms. Magnesium hydroxide provides more calcium carbonate equivalent alkalinity on an equal weight basis compared to slaked lime and caustic soda, which reduces chemical consumption.
Other benefits that make magnesium hydroxide slurry more attractive to end users are its buffering capacity, which provides the added benefit of excellent pH control, as well as its handling properties. Unlike caustic soda, magnesium hydroxide is non-hazardous and non-corrosive when used correctly, which makes handling safer and easier.