Municipal Solid Waste Incineration (MSWI) Fly Ash as a Potential Adsorbent for Phosphate Removal

Abstract

Phosphorus, in the form of phosphate, is an essential nutrient used in agriculture, but in excess, it becomes harmful to the environment by promoting the eutrophication of aquatic ecosystems, leading to oxygen depletion and phytoplankton overgrowth. This study aims to repurpose municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) fly ash for phosphate removal by adsorption and develop sustainable, cost-effective MSWI fly ash-based mitigation strategies for phosphorus pollution. Batch experiments were conducted to examine the effects of contact time, phosphate concentration, MSWI fly ash dosage, and pH on phosphate removal efficiency. The results indicate that the phosphate removal efficiency significantly improved with a longer contact time, pH of 2, increased MSWI fly ash dosage, and higher initial phosphate concentrations. These findings highlight the potential of repurposing MSWI fly ash as an economical and sustainable adsorbent to mitigate the impacts of phosphate pollution on aquatic ecosystems, a strategy that promotes not only waste reduction and the circular economy but also environmental protection and conservation.