Use of pilot scale produced zeolites as fertilizer

• Published in: Journal of environmental chemical engineering Vol. 10; no. 3; p. 107907
• Main Authors: Bonetti, Beatriz, Ferrarini, Suzana F., Hammercshmitt, Marta E., De Aquino, Thiago Fernandes, Pezente, Daniel Pazini, dos Santos Zavarize, Mauro, Pires, Marçal José Rodrigues
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.06.2022
• Subjects: Alternative; Fertilizer; Slow release; Waste use; Slow release; Waste use; Alternative; Fertilizer
• ISSN: 2213-3437; 2213-3437
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jece.2022.107907

Synthetic zeolites are materials with strong growth in technological development research because they are materials that can be obtained from waste and having several applications. In this study, type X zeolites synthesized in pilot scale from coal ash and after going through the loading process with the macronutrients phosphorus and potassium, were applied in the cultivation of Tagetes patula. To evaluate the performance of the developed fertilizer, after carrying out the phosphorus and potassium adsorption tests on the zeolitic material, the monitoring of the plant development was implemented. For this purpose, the evaluation was based on the parameters plant growth, dry matter of root and aerial part content, as well as leaf composition. A comparison between dosages, control samples and commercial fertilizer were applied in this analysis. Water and soil solubilization tests were done to evaluate the release of nutrients and identify possible harmful substances to the environment. The results were promising, indicating that the leaching of nutrients occurred gradually, being available during the entire period of plant development. Additionally, the performance of plants cultivated with zeolite fertilizer was similar or even superior to the cultivation carried out with traditional commercial fertilizer. The solubility of macronutrients in water was higher than that required by legislation (57% P and 48% K for ZXH.Fer zeolite and 64% P and 54% K for ZXF.Fer zeolite, while for a commercial fertilizer with similar concentration, the values were 23% and 27% for P and K, respectively) also demonstrating the applicability of the developed product. [Display omitted] •The use of residue in the synthesis of X zeolites is promising.•Type X zeolites can efficiently adsorb and release macronutrients.•Macronutrients release from zeolites improves the development of the Tagetes patula.•Zeolites synthesized from coal ash can be used as a fertilizer.