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

High concentrations of manganese (Mn) and ammonia nitrogen (NH-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 Mn and NH-N in EMR. The characteristics of EMR and BRM, stabilize mechanism of NH-N and Mn, and leaching test were investigated. The concentrations of NH-N and Mn 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 Mn was mostly solidified as bustamite ((Mn,Ca)SiO), groutite (MnOOH) and ramsdellite (MnO). NH-N was mostly recycled by (NH)SO and (NH)H(SO). 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.