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Published on: April 9, 2016
An algal removal using a combination of flocculation and flotation processes
W Phoochinda1, D A White, B J Briscoe
1Department of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Faculty of Engineering, Imperial College, London SW7 2AZ, UK.
Environmental Technology
|February 5, 2005
Summary
Froth flotation effectively removes algae (Scenedesmus quadricauda) using cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB). Adding a cationic polyelectrolyte significantly enhances sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS) effectiveness for algae removal.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Water Treatment Technologies
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Algae blooms pose significant challenges to water quality.
- Efficient removal of algae from water bodies is crucial for environmental health.
- Froth flotation is a promising technique for separating micro-organisms from water.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of froth flotation for removing Scenedesmus quadricauda using different surfactants.
- To evaluate the performance of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS) in algal removal.
- To explore the synergistic effect of polyelectrolytes with surfactants for enhanced algal separation.
Main Methods:
- Froth flotation separation of Scenedesmus quadricauda.
- Utilized two surfactants: cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS).
- Investigated the impact of a commercial cationic polyelectrolyte on SDS-mediated removal.
Main Results:
- CTAB achieved 90% algal removal efficiency at 100 mg l(-1).
- SDS alone showed poor removal efficiency; however, adding 1 mg l(-1) cationic polyelectrolyte formed algal flocs, significantly improving removal.
- Optimal SDS concentration for floc removal was 50 mg l(-1), with reduced associated water compared to CTAB.
Conclusions:
- Froth flotation with CTAB is effective for algae removal.
- Combining cationic polyelectrolytes with SDS offers a superior method for enhanced algal floc formation and removal.
- This polyelectrolyte-assisted SDS method improves separation efficiency and reduces water content in removed sludge.
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