Magnesium Hydroxide Nanoparticles Production from Natural Bitterns

Magnesium hydroxide nanoparticles are widely employed in numerous industrial applications. Several preparation methods have been proposed using mainly synthetic Mg2+ containing solutions. In the present work, the possibility of producing Mg(OH)2 nanoparticles from real bitterns, the by-product of sea salt production, is investigated. Bitterns are highly concentrated Mg2+ containing solutions whose exploitation can turn a waste into valuable products embracing the circular economy idea. Two bitterns collected from Galia and Margi saltworks of the district of Trapani (Italy) were studied. Galia and Margi bitterns had a 1 M and 2.5 M Mg2+ concentration, respectively. A 2 mm diameter circular-c…