Coagulation-flocculation of Microcystis aeruginosa by polymer-clay based composites

Coagulation-flocculation is a critical treatment to reduce operational problems at Drinking Water Treatment Plants (DWTPs), created by episodes of cyanobacterial blooms in surface waters. There need for the search good coaguflocculants that avoid release intracellular toxins safer sustainable production. Clay-polymer interactions were examined development efficient composites their use as Microcystis aeruginosa (M. aeruginosa) suspensions. Polymers derived from poly-4-vinylpyridine (PVP) quaternized on pyridinic N introducing methyl and hydroxyethyl moieties. These polymers toxic per se; however, prepared either sorption or grafting clay montmorillonite exhibited null toxicity, The combination infrared X-ray diffraction data with thermal analysis showed train conformation sorbed whereas brush was elucidated grafted polymers. Only composite subsequent quaternization methyls an coaguflocculant, due its high positive potential (+39 mV) which allowed close contact between quaternary moieties brushes negative cell wall. A patch flocculation mechanism involved, riks resuspension coagulated cells if added excess. optimum ratio amount cyanobacteria this expressed equivalent polymer content 7.2 × 107 cells/mg polymer. This determined axenic cultures M. aeruginosa, but reduced 5-fold natural waters organic matter (NOM) heterogeneity. study has demonstrated relevance type modification mineral obtain cells, can be extended other microorganisms.