The Possibility of Using Waste Phosphates from the Production of Polyols for Fertilizing Purposes

Abstract

The limited resources of phosphorus raw materials, which are located outside of Europe, make it necessary to obtain phosphorus from the waste stream. This is reflected in the new EU Regulation 2019/1009, which concerns making fertilizing products available on the market. Its main goal is to harmonize the standards for fertilizers obtained from organic or secondary raw materials in the EU and to create new opportunities for their production and sale. The fertilizer sector uses almost 90% of the phosphorus raw material, for which there is no substitute, and the demand for fertilizers is constantly growing, stimulated by the growing number of people. A substitute for expensive imported raw materials can be waste sodium–potassium phosphate from the production of polyols. This study analyzes the composition and form of waste from PCC Rokita S. A. from Brzeg Dolny in Poland, in terms of the possibility of using it in the production of fertilizers according to the new EU regulations. Research shows that it contains nearly 19% phosphorus, as well as potassium and sodium. Low-level impurities and low organic matter content classify it as a raw material for the production of inorganic fertilizers. Due to the high water content, the most advantageous form of its use is the production of fertilizers in the form of a suspension. A certain difficulty in the production of this type of fertilizer may be the layers of crystals of different sizes precipitating in the waste.

The Impact of Suspension Fertilizers Based on Waste Phosphorus Salts from Polyol Production on the Yield of Maize Intended for Green Fodder

“…Moreover, the fertilizer industry in Europe is almost 90% dependent on the import of this raw material. That is why it is important to diversify its source as much as possible [19]. This confirms the validity of using a waste source of phosphorus in the form of waste from the production of polyols.…”

“…However, compared to the control where phosphorus was applied, they had a less beneficial effect on corn yield. However, the advantage of using suspension fertilizers based on waste phosphate from the production of polyols is the lower cost and the possibility of using waste that has not been used so far [19]. The great advantage of this phosphorus source is the low content of impurities, especially cadmium, which is a big problem in phosphate rock deposits.…”

“…This makes the tested waste a competitive raw material in relation to phosphate rocks, which are often contaminated with cadmium. Due to its high water content, the most advantageous form of its use is the production of fertilizers based on it in the form of suspensions [19].…”

“…The detailed characteristics of the waste used are presented in the article "The Possibility of Using Waste Phosphates from the Production of Polyols for Fertilizing Purposes" [19], while the article "Suspension Fertilizers Based on Waste Phosphates from the Production of Polyols" [20] describes the method of producing the used waste suspension fertilizers.…”

Geopolitical deadlock and phosphate shortfall behind the price hike? Evidence from Moroccan commodity markets

“…tonnes of production per year, including Morocco, China and the USA as the leading global producers. European states rely heavily on imports (Sun et al 2018;Bogusz 2022;Gadaleta et al 2022). Jia et al (2018) point to enormous population growth and follow-up heavy demand for natural resources.…”