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Updated: Feb 21, 2026
06:42
Measuring Phosphorus Release in Laboratory Microcosms for Water Quality Assessment
Published on: July 22, 2019
7.1K
Application of leaching tests on phosphogypsum by infiltration-percolation
H Hassoune1, M Lahhit1, A Khalid1
1Water, Environment and Energy Laboratory (WEEL), Research & Development Department, OCP Group, P.O. Box 118, El Jadida, Morocco
Summary
Phosphogypsum storage can impact groundwater quality due to trace element leaching. While some elements are retained, others like arsenic and cadmium exceed safe levels, necessitating careful environmental impact assessment.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Geochemistry
- Industrial Chemistry
Background:
- Phosphoric acid production generates substantial phosphogypsum by-product.
- Phosphogypsum storage poses environmental risks via trace element leaching into groundwater.
- Sustainable development necessitates evaluating phosphogypsum's environmental impact.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the environmental impact of phosphogypsum storage on groundwater.
- To evaluate the leaching behavior of trace elements from phosphogypsum.
- To compare phosphogypsum with synthetic sandy soils as filter mediums for trace elements.
Main Methods:
- Leaching tests were conducted using column infiltration-percolation.
- Two filter mediums were tested: phosphogypsum and synthetic sandy soils.
- Trace element concentrations in leachate were analyzed and compared to maximum contaminant levels (MCLs).
Main Results:
- Phosphogypsum demonstrated filtering capabilities, retaining some trace elements (Pb, Se, Ag, Zn, Cu) below MCLs.
- Synthetic soils effectively retained most tested trace elements at their surfaces.
- Certain trace elements (As, Cd, Cr, Ni) were significantly transferred to groundwater, exceeding MCLs.
Conclusions:
- Phosphogypsum's interaction with trace elements is complex, involving both retention and release.
- While some trace elements remain below contaminant levels, others pose a significant risk to groundwater quality.
- Further research and management strategies are crucial to mitigate the environmental risks associated with phosphogypsum storage.
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