Process for decreasing elemental phosphorus levels in an aqueous medium

摘要

A process is provided for decreasing elemental phosphorus levels in an aqueous medium containing elemental phosphorus. Preferably, the elemental phosphorus levels are at about 10 ppm or less. The process comprises adding to the aqueous medium an effective amount of caustic, preferably Ca(OH).sub. 2, the effective amount being an amount sufficient to increase the pH of the aqueous medium to at least about 11, to produce a basic aqueous medium. The basic aqueous medium is then clarified and neutralized.