An innovative method for manganese (Mn2+) and ammonia nitrogen (NH4+-N) stabilization/solidification in electrolytic manganese residue by basic burning raw material.

High concentrations of manganese (Mn2+) and ammonia nitrogen (NH4+-N) in electrolytic manganese residue (EMR) have seriously hindered the sustainable development of electrolytic manganese industry. In this study, an innovative basic burning raw material (BRM) was used to stabilize/solidify Mn2+ and NH4+-N in EMR. The characteristics of EMR and BRM, stabilize mechanism of NH4+-N and Mn2+, and leaching test were investigated. The concentrations of NH4+-N and Mn2+ were 12.8 mg/L and 0.1 mg/L, respectively, when the solid liquid ratio was 1.5:1, and the mass ratio of EMR and BRM was 100:10, at the temperature of 20 °C reacting for 12 h Mn2+ was mostly solidified as bustamite ((Mn,Ca)Si2O6), groutite (MnOOH) and ramsdellite (MnO2). NH4+-N was mostly recycled by (NH4)2SO4 and (NH4)3H(SO4)2. Leaching test results indicated that the concentrations of heavy metals were within the permitted level for the integrated wastewater discharge standard (GB8978-1996). Economic evaluation revealed that the cost of EMR treatment was $ 10.15/t by BRM. This study provided a new research idea for EMR harmless disposal.