Ferric Phosphate Recovery From Acidic Semiconductor Wastewater via Acid-Induced ZVI Dissolution and Oxidative Precipitation.

Authors

Yu-Han Lin, Titima Wongphoom, Quyen Le Thuy, Chi-Wang Li, Jui-Shuan Yu, Nartsupang Chongcharoen, Pongsak Lek Noophan, Wei-Ting Kuo, Vinh Ya, Naresh Mameda

Published in

Water environment research : a research publication of the Water Environment Federation. Volume 98. Issue 9. Pages e70598.

Abstract

The semiconductor industry generates substantial volumes of acidic wastewater containing high phosphorus concentrations, necessitating effective treatment and a resource recovery strategy. This study proposes an integrated process for phosphorus recovery based on acid-induced dissolution of zero-valent iron (ZVI) coupled with oxidant-assisted ferric phosphate precipitation. Acidification significantly enhanced ferrous ions (Fe²⁺) release from ZVI, facilitating efficient phosphorus capture through subsequent oxidation and ferric phosphate formation. Complete phosphorus removal was achieved at an oxidant-to-Fe²⁺ molar ratio of 0.5 using either H₂O₂ or NaOCl. Oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) values of 500 mV for H₂O₂ and 1000 mV for NaOCl were established as critical setpoints for precise oxidant dosing and process control. Continuous-flow experiments demonstrated stable P-removal efficiency over a broad range of influent conditions while producing sludge with favorable setting characteristics. Furthermore, calcination transformed recovered amorphous ferric phosphate into crystalline strengite, highlighting its potential for beneficial reuse and resource recovery. Economic analysis revealed total chemical costs at 3.24 and 3.53 USD/kg-P for H₂O₂- and NaOCl-based systems, respectively. These findings demonstrate that the proposed ZVI approach provides a technically robust, economically attractive, and sustainable strategy for phosphorus recovery and recycling circularity in acidic semiconductor wastewater treatment.

PMID:
42768987
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 22 Sep 2026.

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