Abstract:
A great deal of effort has been directed towards the development or economically and technically feasible processes for the chemical extraction of P2O5 from basic slags, which is a by-product in the manufacture of steel. Disposal of basic slag is a problem in industrial cities throughout the world. The chemical composition shows that basic slag contains many essential ingredients for plants growth. Its use as a fertilizer has, therefore, been suggested by scientists and agriculturists. But the negligible solubility of the phosphatic content of basic slag in water makes it practically ineffective as a fertilizer. In the present investigation an attempt has, therefore, been made to increase the reactivity of the basic slag and solubilize the phosphatic content present therein by water soluble organic acids produced in the oxidative degradation of low rank coal fine by potassium permanganate so as to explore their practical utility as a fertilizer. A possible mechanism for the solubilization and increased reactivity is also highlighted.