Employing organic solvent precipitation to produce tamarugite from white aluminium dross

Abstract

Being a relatively rare mineral, Tamarugite has good coagulation properties. Tamarugite's utilization for coagulation applications has been a great initiative towards the appreciation of this mineral. Aluminium dross, hazardous industrial waste material has been used to produce Tamarugite. The aluminium content present in the dross has been leached into the sulphuric acid. The addition of sodium hydroxide solution into the leached liquor provides for the sodium ions essential for the Tamarugite stoichiometry. It has been found after characterizing the product that the precipitation of Tamarugite by organic solvent furnishes a purer form of Tamarugite. Also, compared to the Tamarugite produced by crystallization, the Tamarugite formed by organic solvent precipitation shows enhanced coagulation performance. To study the reusability of organic solvents for precipitation, ethanol has recycled for the repeated production of Tamarugite. It is observed that the quality of the resultant Tamarugite is maintained. Linking the aspects of industrial waste management and recycling of aluminium dross to water treatment plants, the present article presents a deeper insight into the science behind the synthesis and application of Tamarugite. A holistic view of the article illustrates the alternative method of recycling aluminium dross and enhancement of Tamarugite's applicability in coagulation. The article contributes to environmental management in broadly two ways: industrial waste management and water treatment by coagulation. © 2019 Elsevier Ltd