Effect of Sulfoaluminate Clinker Addition on Boron Removal During Water Softening
Source abstract
Abstract
Boron is frequently present in saline water (e.g., seawater, geothermal water, and hydrocarbon production water) due to the natural release of boric acid from minerals. While essential to life, excess boron is toxic, particularly to citrus plants, necessitating its regulation for safe water use. Current boron removal methods, such as reverse osmosis, chelating resin adsorption, and magnesium-based precipitation softening, increase water treatment complexity and cost. Ettringite, (Ca6Al2(SO4)3(OH)12·26H2O), is a clay and an effective anion adsorbent. It is also a key hydration product of Portland cement. This study explores boron removal via precipitation softening using sulfoaluminate clinker as an ettringite precursor. Raw water, a first-stage reverse-osmosis permeate from an Italian oil-and-gas site, contained approximately 15.0 mg/L of boron. Optimal removal required sulfoaluminate clinker in excess with respect to the stoichiometric dose and 150 min of contact time. The preliminary results demonstrate the feasibility of this approach, offering a viable alternative to existing methods.
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Research context
OpenAlex topics: Plant Micronutrient Interactions and Effects
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Affiliations
Eni S.p.A., Research and Development, v. F. Maritano 26, I-20097 San Donato Milanese, Italy
Eni S.p.A., Research and Development, v. G. Fauser, 4, I-28100 Novara, Italy
Eni Rewind S.p.A., p. M. Boldrini 1, I-20097 San Donato Milanese, Italy
Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Genoa, v. Dodecaneso 31, I-16146 Genoa, Italy
References (67)
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