The possibility of utilizing kraft black liquors generated in a paper mill, using Eucaliptus globulus as raw material, for the production of a nitro-humic soil conditioner was studied. Two processes were considered: (1) oxidation of the kraft black liquors with nitric acid; and (2) precipitation of the lignin contained in kraft black liquors with CO2 and further oxidation of this lignin by nitric acid. The second process was more efficient regarding product yield and safety of operation. Screening tests at different operating conditions of the latter process indicate that high quality nitro-humic materials can be obtained.
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