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Published on: July 24, 2016
The changes in iron ions concentration and organic matter composition during the surface microlayer membrane
Tian Ma1, Yuankun Yang1, Tao Song1
1Low-cost Wastewater Treatment Technology International Sci-Tech Cooperation Base of Sichuan Province, School of Environment and Resource, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, 621010, PR China.
Abstract:
The surface microlayer membrane (SMM) is a complex and unique water body ecosystem. The SMM has a significant effect on water quality and the water ecological system. However, despite the long-lasting interest in the SMM formation process and its environmental effect mechanism in freshwater, studies on it are still scarce. This paper studied the changes in iron ions concentration and organic matter composition during the SMM formation process. Our results revealed that the iron ions enriched in the SMM, at a concentration of up to 8.02 μg/mL, exist in the form of Fe3+. The main organic matter is polysaccharides and proteins in the SMM. Additionally, the microbial community structure revealed that the changes in iron ion morphology in water and the SMM was a significant association with the presence of Aeromonas and Zoogloea. The rapid enrichment process of iron ions and organic matter in the aquatic surface microlayer is involved in the rapid formation of early SMM. Obviously, these findings provide new insights and a basis for the SMM of freshwater.
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