A2 Review article, Literature review, Systematic review
Reclamation of boron from solid and liquid streams for fertilizer application (2024)

Figueira, M., Srivastava, V., Reig, M., Valderrama, C., & Lassi, U. (2024). Reclamation of boron from solid and liquid streams for fertilizer application. Journal of Environmental Management, 367, Article 122039. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.122039

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Figueira, Mariana; Srivastava, Varsha; Reig, Mònica; Valderrama, César; Lassi, Ulla

Journal or series: Journal of Environmental Management

ISSN: 0301-4797

eISSN: 1095-8630

Publication year: 2024

Publication date: 01/08/2024

Volume: 367

Article number: 122039

Publisher: Elsevier

Publication country: United Kingdom

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.122039

Publication open access: Not open

Publication channel open access: 

Abstract

Boron (B) is a crucial element for efficient plant growth and development; therefore, B-based fertilisers have been employed in agricultural applications. The need for B-based fertilisers for agricultural uses is continuously increasing as a result of the world's growing population. It is expected that the global market for B-based fertiliser will grow by around $6.3 billion by 2032; hence, demand for B sources will also increase. In addition to being used in fertiliser, B is also employed in the production of neodymium iron B (NdFeB) permanent magnets. The demand for NdFeB magnets is also continuously increasing. Hence, it is of the utmost importance to reclaim B from secondary resources due to the rising demand for B in a wide variety of applications. This review study addresses the recovery of B from various waste streams. The main focus is on the recovery of B from spent NdFeB magnets, borax sludge, and liquid streams such as brine water, seawater, sewage, industrial wastewater, and agricultural effluents. Different technologies for B recovery are discussed, such as sorption, solvent extraction, membrane processes, precipitation, and hydrometallurgical methods. Solvent extraction has been found to be a very effective approach for reclaiming B from spent NdFeB magnet waste and from liquid streams with high B concentration (>1–2 g/L). Further, the application of B-based fertiliser in agriculture application is reviewed. Challenges associated with B recovery from waste streams and future perspectives are also highlighted in this review.

Keywords: boron; recovery (recapture); salt lakes; waste electronic and electrical equipment; magnets; circular economy; raw material resources; sustainable development; fertiliser industry; green chemistry

Free keywords: brine water; borax waste; NdFeB magnet; boron recovery; boron-based fertilizer; circular economy

Contributing organizations

Ministry reporting: Yes

Preliminary JUFO rating: 2