Avaliação de uma rota eco amigável para fabricação de fertilizantes fosfatados

Abstract

Phosphorus, a vital macronutrient in the agricultural production process, is essential for plant development, even in small quantities. In Brazil, the demand for this nutrient exceeds national production, with the majority being imported from international deposits. This work aims to improve the viability and availability of phosphorus from national deposits by exploring the high-energy milling technique to enhance the solubility of acidified rock for soil application. Simultaneously, the study focuses on sustainable methods for phosphate fertilizer production, emphasizing phosphorus as an essential macronutrient for plant growth. Addressing the geological origin of phosphate deposits and highlighting the global economic dependence on these minerals, Brazil, one of the largest fertilizer consumers, faces significant challenges due to global scarcity and dependence on imports, especially from Russia. In the face of this challenging scenario, the research proposes an ecologically sustainable approach to phosphate fertilizer production, emphasizing the recycling of acids from automotive batteries. Specific objectives include the characterization of phosphate rock, evaluation of P2O5 release after acidification, and the development of formulations for solid phosphate fertilizers. The results of the analyses revealed the compliance of the rock's chemical composition with regulatory standards, and phosphate solubility was influenced by sulfuric acid concentration. This study contributes to the search for more sustainable and self-sufficient alternatives in agricultural input production, aiming to reduce Brazil's vulnerability to fluctuations in the international fertilizer market. The importance of interdisciplinary collaboration between the mining industry, industrial waste recycling, and agriculture is also highlighted to promote more efficient and environmentally conscious practices.