White Paper: Utilization Of Magnesium Compounds For Wastewater Management In The Electronics Industry

As environmental regulations become more stringent on the quality of effluent discharged into natural waterways and municipal treatment facilities, electronic component manufacturers must employ effective treatment methods to meet these more strict discharge requirements. One treatment method which has proven itself as a viable technology for approaching zero discharge is the utilization of magnesium compounds for neutralizing acid waste streams and removing metals such as zinc, trivalent chromium, lead, nickel, iron, copper, and cadmium from wastewater via chemical precipitation and adsorption. Magnesium compounds, such as magnesium hydroxide and magnesium oxide, have been used in the treatment of acid rinse water from drag-out stations, process solutions from etching baths, floor spills, spent plating baths, and other wastewater streams generated by printed circuit board manufacturers, semiconductor manufacturers, electroplaters, and metal platers. The benefits of magnesium compounds over the other commonly used alkalis such as caustic soda, lime, and soda ash make it a cost-effective alternative for acid neutralization and metal precipitation.