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[Morphological characteristics of algae floc and its relation with flotation].
Yu-Heng Wang1, Qi-Shan Wang, Yu-Bao Wu
1College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China. sun_wangyh@sina.com
Huan Jing Ke Xue= Huanjing Kexue
|July 25, 2008
Summary
Polyaluminium chloride effectively removes Microcystis aeruginosa through coagulation-flotation. Optimal conditions enhance floc structure, size, and adherence to bubbles for improved water treatment.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Water Treatment Technologies
- Microbiology
Background:
- Microcystis aeruginosa (MA) blooms pose significant risks to water quality and ecosystem health.
- Conventional water treatment methods may struggle with efficient removal of cyanobacteria.
- Polyaluminium chloride (PAC) is a common coagulant used in water treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the removal efficiency of Microcystis aeruginosa using polyaluminium chloride (PAC) in a coagulation-flotation process.
- To analyze the morphological characteristics of PAC-MA flocs under varying coagulation conditions.
- To establish correlations between coagulation parameters, floc characteristics, and removal effectiveness.
Main Methods:
- Coagulation-flotation experiments were conducted with varying PAC dosages, stirring strengths, and reaction times.
- Floc morphology was characterized using image analysis to determine fractal dimensions.
- Removal efficiency was assessed based on the reduction of Microcystis aeruginosa.
Main Results:
- Optimal PAC dosage was found to be 5.6 - 9.8 mg/L Al2O3, with flocculation reaction times of 5 - 8 minutes and stirring strengths of 50 - 80 s(-1).
- Floc fractal dimensions (D2) ranged from 1.1688 to 1.2357, with average diameters between 300 and 500 micrometers under optimal conditions.
- Floc structure, diameter variation, and branching significantly influenced adherence to bubbles.
Conclusions:
- The coagulation-flotation process using PAC is effective for removing Microcystis aeruginosa.
- Floc characteristics, particularly looser structures with greater diameter variation and branching, enhance bubble adherence and removal efficiency.
- Optimizing coagulation parameters is crucial for maximizing the removal of Microcystis aeruginosa and improving water quality.
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