Crystallization of struvite-K from pumpkin wastes.

BACKGROUND

Use of slow-release fertilizers derived from biological sources is important in sustainable agricultural development. Struvite-K (KMgPO4 ·6H2 O) is magnesium potassium phosphate mineral that has high potential for use as fertilizer in agriculture. Struvite-K is particularly suitable for slow-release fertilizer systems since struvite-K crystals are sparingly soluble in water. Seeds of pumpkin Cucurbita pepo L. are recovered and consumed as food, but the remaining pulp has no economic value.

RESULTS

The present study evaluated the feasibility of struvite-K crystals recovery from pyrolysis products of pumpkin wastes. In the study C. pepo pulp was decomposed at high temperatures and potassium was extracted from the residue and then crystalized from the solution by addition of NaH2 PO4 ·2H2 O and MgCl2 ·6H2 O salts. Struvite-K was characterized by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy-energy-dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX) spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

The study revealed pumpkin wastes can be evaluated as source of potassium and 80% of potassium could be recovered as struvite-K crystals, which have a potential use as a slow-release mineral fertilizer for sustainable agriculture operations. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.