Separation Science and Technology, Vol.43, No.1, 113-131, 2008
Simultaneous removal of algae and their secondary algal metabolites from water by hybrid system of DAF and PAC adsorption
The feasibility of a hybrid system consisting of powdered activated carbon (PAC) adsorption and dissolved air flotation (DAF) processes was examined for the simultaneous removal of algae (anabaena and mycrocystis) and their secondary algal metabolites (2-methylisoboneol and geosmin). Before studying the hybrid system, adsorption equilibrium and kinetics of organics (2-methylisoboneol and geosmin) produced from algae on three powdered activated carbons (wood-based, coal-based, coconut-based) were studied. The flotation efficiency of algae and PAC in DAF process was evaluated with zeta potential measurements. Interestingly, we found that the agglomerate of bubble and PAC particle can be successfully floated by DAF. In addition, the simultaneous removal of algae and organics (i.e., secondary algal metabolites) dissolved in water can be achieved by using the hybrid system of adsorption/DAF processes.