Removal of Aqueous Ammonium From Seawater and Freshwater Using Magnesium Hydrogen Phosphate

Abstract

Aqueous ammonium is a threat to the vitality of various fish and the present study examined the feasibility of its removal from both seawater and freshwater using magnesium hydrogen phosphate (MgHPO 4 ). Regardless of the type of water, aqueous ammonium was favorably removed particularly under basic conditions such as a pH = 10. Even under neutral conditions (pH = 7), some aqueous ammonium can be removed. The results of the present study showed that MgHPO 4 can be used to remove a serious threat to the vitality of fish posed by the dilute concentration of aqueous ammonium in both seawater and freshwater. The resultant formation of magnesium ammonium phosphate (MAP) was detected by X-ray diffraction (XRD), which confirmed the removal of aqueous ammonium. It is common knowledge that MAP is a fertilizer for waterweeds, which are essential for the growth of the fish while simultaneously promoting their nourishment.