Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/11681/47704
Title: Rapid algae flotation techniques
Authors: Cender, Clinton J.
Thomas, Catherine C.
Page, Martin A.
Sartain, Bradley T.
Fernando, Brianna M.
Ibrahim, Musa M.
Wahl, Alec
Keywords: Algae
Biomass
Coagulation
Flocculation
Flotation
HAB
Polysaccaride
Xantan gum
Publisher: Engineer Research and Development Center (U.S.)
Series/Report no.: Technical Report (Engineer Research and Development Center (U.S.)) ; no. ERDC TR-23-19
Abstract: Dissolved air flotation (DAF) is an effective technique for algae separation following the application of flocculants and coagulants. Some harmful algae produce mucilage or extracellular polymeric substances useful for flotation. This study evaluated natural polysaccharides to determine effects on algal flotation with DAF. Food-grade gums (xanthan gum, guar gum, gum arabic, gellan gum, and diutan gum) were tested with cyanobacteria cultures singly and in combination with commercial flocculants (including Tramfloc 222 and Tramfloc 300). Gum arabic alone had no effect when evaluated at concentrations between 10 mg/L and 5,000 mg/L. However, the combination of gum arabic and Tramfloc 300 yielded higher algal flocculation than Tramfloc 300 alone. The combination of xanthan gum (anionic) and guar gum (cationic) did not perform at the level of the combined xanthan gum and Tramfloc 222 in either flocculation or flotation of algae. Tramfloc 222 and xanthan gum; however, yielded effective flocculation seemingly resistant to changes in interfering factors such as turbulence, pH, and temperature. Furthermore, the combination of xanthan gum and Tramfloc 222 provided the most effective flotation and flocculation independent of pH effects. The results suggest that anionic polysaccharides can be used to increase the efficacy of cationic coagulants such as Tramfloc 222.
Description: Technical Note
Gov't Doc #: ERDC TR-23-19
Rights: Approved for Public Release; Distribution is Unlimited
URI: https://hdl.handle.net/11681/47704
http://dx.doi.org/10.21079/11681/47704
Appears in Collections:Technical Report

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