Potassium release behavior from silicate rocks using sulfuric and citric acids media

Abstract

Potassium plays a pivotal role as a critical nutrient and essential for increasing crop productivity. Recent scientific studies have been directed toward investigating silicate minerals as a promising alternative source for this element. This study presents results derived from a preliminary exploration into the release of potassium behavior, alongside other present ions, extracted from silicate rocks originating from the region of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The efficacy of sulfuric and citric acids as potential agents for facilitating this release was examined. Employing an incomplete factorial design, the study systematically evaluated the influential variables temperature, time, and concentration, aiming to delineate their impact on potassium release across various sample-acid systems. The discussion delves into elucidating the hierarchical order of these variables concerning potassium liberation within each sample-acid configuration. The consequential insights derived from this meticulous analysis hold considerable significance, contributing substantially to the prospective assessment of harnessing these rocks as a viable potassium resource for future agricultural applications.