Simultaneous removal of ammonia and phosphate from wastewater by precipitation of struvite using magnesia

A thorough investigation of conditions required for the precipitation of magnesium ammonium phosphate hexahydrate using magnesia as the source of magnesium was carried out and two computer models were used to make predictions as to optimum conditions for production of suitable crystal size and structure for a successful process. A process was developed and a bench scale model operated for a number of high ammonia wastes. Removal of ammonia was affected to levels of up to 97% with 94% ammonia removal being achievable consistently.