Surface water treatment benefits from the presence of algae: Influence of algae on the coagulation behavior of polytitanium chloride

doi:10.1007/s11783-020-1350-x

Front. Environ. Sci. Eng.

2021, Vol. 15

Issue (4) : 58 https://doi.org/10.1007/s11783-020-1350-x

RESEARCH ARTICLE

Surface water treatment benefits from the presence of algae: Influence of algae on the coagulation behavior of polytitanium chloride

Yanxia Zhao¹(

), Huiqing Lian¹, Chang Tian², Haibo Li³, Weiying Xu¹, Sherub Phuntsho⁴, Kaimin Shih⁵

¹. School of Water Conservancy and Environment, University of Jinan, Jinan 250022, China
². School of Environmental Science & Engineering, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan 250353, China
³. Environmental Engineering Department, Research Development Center, China Vanke Co., Ltd., Shenzhen 518083, China
⁴. Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater Treatment, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology, Sydney, New South Wales 2007, Australia
⁵. Environmental Engineering Research Centre, Department of Civil Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China

Download: PDF(2020 KB) HTML
Export: BibTeX | EndNote | Reference Manager | ProCite | RefWorks

Abstract

• Emerging titanium coagulation was high-efficient for algae-laden water treatment.

• Polytitanium coagulation was capable for both algae and organic matter removal.

• Surface water purification was improved by around 30% due to algae inclusion.

• Algae functioned as flocculant aid to assist polytitanium coagulation.

• Algae could enhance charge neutralization capability of polytitanium coagulant.

Titanium-based coagulation has proved to be effective for algae-laden micro-polluted water purification processes. However, the influence of algae inclusion in surface water treatment by titanium coagulation is barely reported. This study reports the influence of both Microcystis aeruginosa and Microcystis wesenbergii in surface water during polytitanium coagulation. Jar tests were performed to evaluate coagulation performance using both algae-free (controlled) and algae-laden water samples, and floc properties were studied using a laser diffraction particle size analyzer for online monitoring. Results show that polytitanium coagulation can be highly effective in algae separation, removing up to 98% from surface water. Additionally, the presence of algae enhanced organic matter removal by up to 30% compared to controlled water containing only organic matter. Polytitanium coagulation achieved significant removal of fluorescent organic materials and organic matter with a wide range of molecular weight distribution (693–4945 Da) even in the presence of algae species in surface water. The presence of algae cells and/or algal organic matter is likely to function as an additional coagulant or flocculation aid, assisting polytitanium coagulation through adsorption and bridging effects. Although the dominant coagulation mechanisms with polytitanium coagulant were influenced by the coagulant dosage and initial solution pH, algae species in surface water could enhance the charge neutralization capability of the polytitanium coagulant. Algae-rich flocs were also more prone to breakage with strength factors approximately 10% lower than those of algae-free flocs. Loose structure of the flocs will require careful handling of the flocs during coagulation-sedimentation-filtration processes.

Keywords Coagulation Polytitanium chloride Coagulation behaviour Algae Floc property

Corresponding Author(s): Yanxia Zhao

Issue Date: 15 October 2020

Cite this article:

Yanxia Zhao,Huiqing Lian,Chang Tian, et al. Surface water treatment benefits from the presence of algae: Influence of algae on the coagulation behavior of polytitanium chloride[J]. Front. Environ. Sci. Eng., 2021, 15(4): 58.

URL:

https://academic.hep.com.cn/fese/EN/10.1007/s11783-020-1350-x
https://academic.hep.com.cn/fese/EN/Y2021/V15/I4/58

Fig.1 PTC coagulation performance in terms of (a) residual turbidity, (b) UV₂₅₄ removal, (c) DOC removal, (d) SUVA, (e) algae removal and (f) zeta potential of the coagulated flocs. (Initial pH 8.5; PTC: polytitanium chloride; DOC: dissolved organic carbon; SUVA: specific ultraviolet absorbanc; YW: Yellow River water; MA-YW: Microcystis aeruginosa-laden Yellow River water; MW-YW: Microcystis wesenbergii-laden Yellow River water).

Fig.2 Three-dimensional fluorescence spectrogram of raw water and the PTC coagulated effluent: (a?c) YW case; (d, e) MA-YW case; (f?h) MW-YW case. (Initial pH 8.5; PTC: polytitanium chloride; YW: Yellow River water; MA-YW: Microcystis aeruginosa-laden Yellow River water; MW-YW: Microcystis wesenbergii-laden Yellow River water).

Fig.3 Molecular weight distribution of raw water and the PTC coagulated effluent: (a) YW case, (b) MA-YW case and (c) MW-YW case. (Initial pH 8.5; PTC: polytitanium chloride; YW: Yellow River water; MA-YW: Microcystis aeruginosa-laden Yellow River water; MW-YW: Microcystis wesenbergii-laden Yellow River water).

Fig.4 pH influence on coagulation performances of PTC for the treatment of (a) Microcystis aeruginosa-laden Yellow River water (MA-YW) and (b) Microcystis wesenbergii-laden Yellow River water (MW-YW). (PTC dose of 35 mg/L for MA-YW and 40 mg/L for MW-YW conditions; PTC: polytitanium chloride).

Fig.5 PTC coagulation of YW, MA-YW and MW-YW: (a) floc growth, breakage and regrowth profiles and (b) variation of floc fractal dimension (D_f) vs. coagulation period. (Initial pH 8.5; PTC dose of 25 mg/L; PTC: polytitanium chloride; YW: Yellow River water; MA-YW: Microcystis aeruginosa-laden Yellow River water; MW-YW: Microcystis wesenbergii-laden Yellow River water; d₅₀: the median volumetric diameter).

Tab.1 Characteristics of the flocs formed by PTC coagulation (PTC: polytitanium chloride)

Fig.6 Size distribution of the particles formed by PTC in cases of YW, MA-YW and MW-YW: (a) volume-based PSD and (b) number-based PSD. (Initial pH 8.5; PTC: polytitanium chloride; YW: Yellow River water; MA-YW: Microcystis aeruginosa-laden Yellow River water; MW-YW: Microcystis wesenbergii-laden Yellow River water; PSD: particle size distribution; d₅₀:the median volumetric diameter).

1	N Ates, M Kitis, U Yetis (2007). Formation of chlorination by-products in waters with low SUVA-correlations with SUVA and differential UV spectroscopy. Water Research, 41(18): 4139–4148 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2007.05.042
2	X W Bo, B Y Gao, N N Peng, Y Wang, Q Y Yue, Y X Zhao (2011). Coagulation performance and floc properties of compound bioflocculant-aluminum sulfate dual-coagulant in treating kaolin-humic acid solution. Chemical Engineering Journal, 173(2): 400–406 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2011.07.077
3	L Chekli, C Eripret, S H Park, S A A Tabatabai, O Vronska, B Tamburic, J H Kim, H K Shon (2017). Coagulation performance and floc characteristics of polytitanium tetrachloride (PTC) compared with titanium tetrachloride (TiCl4) and ferric chloride (FeCl3) in algal turbid water. Separation and Purification Technology, 175: 99–106 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seppur.2016.11.019
4	L Chekli, J Galloux, Y X Zhao, B Y Gao, H K Shon (2015). Coagulation performance and floc characteristics of polytitanium tetrachloride (PTC) compared with titanium tetrachloride (TiCl4) and iron salts in humic acid–kaolin synthetic water treatment. Separation and Purification Technology, 142: 155–161 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seppur.2014.12.043
5	M Filipenska, P Vasatova, L Pivokonska, L Cermakova, A Gonzalez-Torres, R K Henderson, J Naceradska, M Pivokonsky (2019). Influence of COM-peptides/proteins on the properties of flocs formed at different shear rates. Journal of Environmental Sciences (China), 80: 116–127 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jes.2018.11.025
6	J Galloux, L Chekli, S Phuntsho, L D Tijing, S Jeong, Y X Zhao, B Y Gao, S H Park, H K Shon (2015). Coagulation performance and floc characteristics of polytitanium tetrachloride and titanium tetrachloride compared with ferric chloride for coal mining wastewater treatment. Separation and Purification Technology, 152: 94–100 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seppur.2015.08.009
7	A Gonzalez-Torres, M Pivokonsky, R K Henderson (2019). The impact of cell morphology and algal organic matter on algal floc properties. Water Research, 163: 114887 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2019.114887
8	A Gonzalez-Torres, J Putnam, B Jefferson, R M Stuetz, R K Henderson (2014). Examination of the physical properties of Microcystis aeruginosa flocs produced on coagulation with metal salts. Water Research, 60: 197–209 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2014.04.046
9	J Hou, Z J Yang, P F Wang, C Wang, Y Y Yang, X Wang (2018). Changes in Microcystis aeruginosa cell integrity and variation in microcystin-LR and proteins during Tanfloc flocculation and floc storage. Science of the Total Environment, 626: 264–273 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.01.074
10	W W Huang, H Q Chu, B Z Dong, J X Liu (2014). Evaluation of different algogenic organic matters on the fouling of microfiltration membranes. Desalination, 344: 329–338 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.desal.2014.03.039
11	S Hussain, J Awad, B Sarkar, C W K Chow, J Duan, van J Leeuwen (2019). Coagulation of dissolved organic matter in surface water by novel titanium (III) chloride: Mechanistic surface chemical and spectroscopic characterisation. Separation and Purification Technology, 213: 213–223 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seppur.2018.12.038
12	K J Jeon, J H Ahn (2018). Evaluation of titanium tetrachloride and polytitanium tetrachloride to remove phosphorus from wastewater. Separation and Purification Technology, 197: 197–201 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seppur.2018.01.016
13	R Y Jiao, R Fabris, C W K Chow, M Drikas, van J Leeuwen, D S Wang, Z Z Xu (2017). Influence of coagulation mechanisms and floc formation on filterability. Journal of Environmental Sciences (China), 57: 338–345 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jes.2017.01.006
14	R H Li, B Y Gao, X Huang, H Y Dong, X C Li, Q Y Yue, Y Wang, Q Li (2014). Compound bioflocculant and polyaluminum chloride in kaolin-humic acid coagulation: Factors influencing coagulation performance and floc characteristics. Bioresource Technology, 172: 8–15 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2014.08.126
15	M Ma, R P Liu, H J Liu, J H Qu, W Jefferson (2012). Effects and mechanisms of pre-chlorination on Microcystis aeruginosa removal by alum coagulation: Significance of the released intracellular organic matter. Separation and Purification Technology, 86: 19–25 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seppur.2011.10.015
16	K Ozawa, H Fujioka, M Muranaka, A Yokoyama, Y Katagami, T Homma, K Ishikawa, S Tsujimura, M Kumagai, M F Watanabe, H D Park (2005). Spatial distribution and temporal variation of Microcystis species composition and microcystin concentration in Lake Biwa. Environmental Toxicology, 20(3): 270–276 https://doi.org/10.1002/tox.20117
17	M Pivokonsky, J Naceradska, T Brabenec, K Novotna, M Baresova, V Janda (2015). The impact of interactions between algal organic matter and humic substances on coagulation. Water Research, 84: 278–285 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2015.07.047
18	J Qi, H C Lan, R P Liu, H J Liu, J H Qu (2018). Fe(II)-regulated moderate pre-oxidation of Microcystis aeruginosa and formation of size-controlled algae flocs for efficient flotation of algae cell and organic matter. Water Research, 137: 57–63 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2018.03.005
19	J Safarikova, M Baresova, M Pivokonsky, I Kopecka (2013). Influence of peptides and proteins produced by cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa, on the coagulation of turbid waters. Separation and Purification Technology, 118(9): 49–57 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seppur.2013.06.049
20	M Sillanpää, M C Ncibi, A Matilainen, M Vepsäläinen (2018). Removal of natural organic matter in drinking water treatment by coagulation: A comprehensive review. Chemosphere, 190: 54–71 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2017.09.113
21	T D Waite, J K Cleaver, J K Beattie (2001). Aggregation kinetics and fractal structure of γ-alumina assemblages. Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, 241(2): 333–339 https://doi.org/10.1006/jcis.2001.7694
22	Y Wan, X Huang, B Y Shi, J Shi, H T Hao (2019). Reduction of organic matter and disinfection byproducts formation potential by titanium, aluminum and ferric salts coagulation for micro-polluted source water treatment. Chemosphere, 219: 28–35 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2018.11.117
23	X M Wang, X Wang, Z B Wei, S J Zhang (2018). Potent removal of cyanobacteria with controlled release of toxic secondary metabolites by a titanium xerogel coagulant. Water Research, 128: 341–349 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2017.10.066
24	F Xiao, P Yi, X R Pan, B J Zhang, C Lee (2010). Comparative study of the effects of experimental variables on growth rates of aluminum and iron hydroxide flocs during coagulation and their structural characteristics. Desalination, 250(3): 902–907 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.desal.2008.12.050
25	J Xu, Y X Zhao, B Y Gao, S L Han, Q Zhao, X L Liu (2018a). The influence of algal organic matter produced by Microcystis aeruginosa on coagulation-ultrafiltration treatment of natural organic matter. Chemosphere, 196: 418–428 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2017.12.198
26	J Xu, Y X Zhao, B Y Gao, Q Zhao (2018b). Enhanced algae removal by Ti-based coagulant: comparison with conventional Al- and Fe-based coagulants. Environmental Science and Pollution Research International, 25(13): 13147–13158 https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-018-1482-8
27	J L Yu, K Xiao, W C Xue, Y X Shen, J H Tan, S Liang, Y F Wang, X Huang (2020). Excitation-emission matrix (EEM) fluorescence spectroscopy for characterization of organic matter in membrane bioreactors: Principles, methods and applications. Frontiers of Environmental Science & Engineering, 14(2): 31 https://doi.org/10.1007/s11783-019-1210-8
28	W J Zhang, R N Song, B D Cao, X F Yang, D S Wang, X M Fu, Y Song (2018). Variations of floc morphology and extracellular organic matters (EOM) in relation to floc filterability under algae flocculation harvesting using polymeric titanium coagulants (PTCs). Bioresource Technology, 256: 350–357 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2018.02.011
29	Y X Zhao, B Y Gao, H Y Rong, H K Shon, J H Kim, Q Y Yue, Y Wang (2011a). The impacts of coagulant aid-polydimethyldiallylammonium chloride on coagulation performances and floc characteristics in humic acid–kaolin synthetic water treatment with titanium tetrachloride. Chemical Engineering Journal, 173(2): 376–384 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2011.07.071
30	Y X Zhao, B Y Gao, H K Shon, B C Cao, J H Kim (2011b). Coagulation characteristics of titanium (Ti) salt coagulant compared with aluminum(Al) and iron(Fe) salts. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 185(2–3): 1536–1542 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2010.10.084
31	Y X Zhao, X Y Li (2019). Polymerized titanium salts for municipal wastewater preliminary treatment followed by further purification via crossflow filtration for water reuse. Separation and Purification Technology, 211: 207–217 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seppur.2018.09.078
32	Y X Zhao, S Phuntsho, B Y Gao, X Huang, Q B Qi, Q Y Yue, Y Wang, J H Kim, H K Shon (2013). Preparation and characterization of novel polytitanium tetrachloride coagulant for water purification. Environmental Science & Technology, 47(22): 12966–12975 https://doi.org/10.1021/es402708v
33	Y X Zhao, S Phuntsho, B Y Gao, Y Z Yang, J H Kim, H K Shon (2015). Comparison of a novel polytitanium chloride coagulant with polyaluminium chloride: coagulation performance and floc characteristics. Journal of Environmental Management, 147: 194–202 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2014.09.023
34	Y X Zhao, Y Wang, B Y Gao, H K Shon, J H Kim, Q Y Yue (2012). Coagulation performance evaluation of sodium alginate used as coagulant aid with aluminum sulfate, iron chloride and titanium tetrachloride. Desalination, 299: 79–88 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.desal.2012.05.026
35	Z M Zhao, W J Sun, M B Ray, A K Ray, T Y Huang, J B Chen (2019). Optimization and modeling of coagulation-flocculation to remove algae and organic matter from surface water by response surface methodology. Frontiers of Environmental Science & Engineering, 13(5): 75 https://doi.org/10.1007/s11783-019-1159-7

[1]

FSE-20114-OF-ZYX_suppl_1

Download

[1]	Zuyin Chen, Lihua Li, Lichong Hao, Yu Hong, Wencai Wang. *Hormesis-like growth and photosynthetic physiology of marine diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum* Bohlin exposed to polystyrene microplastics**[J]. Front. Environ. Sci. Eng., 2022, 16(1): 2-.
[2]	Yanxiao Si, Fang Zhang, Hong Chen, Guanghe Li, Haichuan Zhang, Dun Liu. Effect of current density on groundwater arsenite removal performance using air cathode electrocoagulation[J]. Front. Environ. Sci. Eng., 2021, 15(6): 112-.
[3]	Zongqun Chen, Wei Jin, Hailong Yin, Mengqi Han, Zuxin Xu. Performance evaluation on the pollution control against wet weather overflow based on on-site coagulation/flocculation in terminal drainage pipes[J]. Front. Environ. Sci. Eng., 2021, 15(6): 111-.
[4]	Violeta Makareviciene, Egle Sendzikiene, Ieva Gaide. Application of heterogeneous catalysis to biodiesel synthesis using microalgae oil[J]. Front. Environ. Sci. Eng., 2021, 15(5): 97-.
[5]	Shuchang Wang, Binbin Shao, Junlian Qiao, Xiaohong Guan. Application of Fe(VI) in abating contaminants in water: State of art and knowledge gaps[J]. Front. Environ. Sci. Eng., 2021, 15(5): 80-.
[6]	Kangying Guo, Baoyu Gao, Jie Wang, Jingwen Pan, Qinyan Yue, Xing Xu. Flocculation behaviors of a novel papermaking sludge-based flocculant in practical printing and dyeing wastewater treatment[J]. Front. Environ. Sci. Eng., 2021, 15(5): 103-.
[7]	Xiaojie Shi, Zhuo Chen, Yun Lu, Qi Shi, Yinhu Wu, Hong-Ying Hu. Significant increase of assimilable organic carbon (AOC) levels in MBR effluents followed by coagulation, ozonation and combined treatments: Implications for biostability control of reclaimed water[J]. Front. Environ. Sci. Eng., 2021, 15(4): 68-.
[8]	Xuesong Liu, Jianmin Wang. Algae (Raphidocelis subcapitata) mitigate combined toxicity of microplastic and lead on Ceriodaphnia dubia[J]. Front. Environ. Sci. Eng., 2020, 14(6): 97-.
[9]	Zhenlian Qi, Shijie You, Ranbin Liu, C. Joon Chuah. Performance and mechanistic study on electrocoagulation process for municipal wastewater treatment based on horizontal bipolar electrodes[J]. Front. Environ. Sci. Eng., 2020, 14(3): 40-.
[10]	Caiyun Hou, Sen Qiao, Yue Yang, Jiti Zhou. A novel sequence batch membrane carbonation photobioreactor developed for microalgae cultivation[J]. Front. Environ. Sci. Eng., 2019, 13(6): 92-.
[11]	Ziming Zhao, Wenjun Sun, Madhumita B. Ray, Ajay K Ray, Tianyin Huang, Jiabin Chen. Optimization and modeling of coagulation-flocculation to remove algae and organic matter from surface water by response surface methodology[J]. Front. Environ. Sci. Eng., 2019, 13(5): 75-.
[12]	Xiaoxue Mei, Heming Wang, Dianxun Hou, Fernanda Leite Lobo, Defeng Xing, Zhiyong Jason Ren. Shipboard bilge water treatment by electrocoagulation powered by microbial fuel cells[J]. Front. Environ. Sci. Eng., 2019, 13(4): 53-.
[13]	Victor M. Deantes-Espinosa, Tian-Yuan Zhang, Xiao-Xiong Wang, Yinhu Wu, Guo-Hua Dao, Hong-Ying Hu. *Attached cultivation of Scenedesmus* sp. LX1 on selected solids and the effect of surface properties on attachment**[J]. Front. Environ. Sci. Eng., 2019, 13(4): 57-.
[14]	Xue Shen, Lei Lu, Baoyu Gao, Xing Xu, Qinyan Yue. Development of combined coagulation-hydrolysis acidification-dynamic membrane bioreactor system for treatment of oilfield polymer-flooding wastewater[J]. Front. Environ. Sci. Eng., 2019, 13(1): 9-.
[15]	Xinfeng Wang, Lu Lin, Haifeng Lu, Zhidan Liu, Na Duan, Taili Dong, Hua Xiao, Baoming Li, Pei Xu. Microalgae cultivation and culture medium recycling by a two-stage cultivation system[J]. Front. Environ. Sci. Eng., 2018, 12(6): 14-.

Viewed

Full text

Abstract

Cited

Shared

Discussed