Soil scientist's fascination with mineral yields plan for battling it
Tuesday, July 29, 2008 - 15:07
in Earth & Climate
(PhysOrg.com) -- Under the microscope, its crystals gleam like tiny gems. But when the phosphate mineral struvite starts clinging to the insides of sewage treatment plants, it tends to lose its charm. Fed by the copious phosphorus in wastewater, struvite crystals form in the billions and amass in huge, cement-like chunks, clogging pipes and valves and blocking water flow.