Boron recovery, application and economic significance: A review

Boron compounds are widely used raw materials in various industries. However, high boron concentration in aqueous systems may be harmful to both humans and plants. Many treatment technologies have shown wide limitations in the removal of boron from wastewater and boronic wastes due to the complex boron chemistry. Boron exists as boric acid at pH<9.2 but as borate ions at pH>9.2. Recovery of boron is one process that has reduced the harmful effects of boron on both plants and animals especially in areas with boron rich mineral ores like colemanite, ulexite, borax etc. It has also become a new means of boron production and used industrially at a purity of 99%. Many authors have reported successful recovery of boron from different sources in a cost effective ways. This paper reviews the literatures on the applications of boron, its economic significance and the methods of recovery boron.