Synergy of Algal Sedimentation and Sediment Capping for Methane Emission Control in Bloom Waters

Abstract

This study tested a strategy in simulated column systems to control methane emissions from algal bloom waters using the combined technology of algae sedimentation and sediment capping. The results demonstrated that the synergy of algal sedimentation and sediment capping can effectively improve the water environment and reduce methane emissions; however, the improvement rate differed among capping materials. The use of activated carbon yielded better performance on the water environment improvement and methane emission control than soil and zeolite. Compared with the control system, the dissolved oxygen and redox potential in the water were increased from<2.5 mg·L-1 to 3.1 mg·L-1 and from<100 mV to 174 mV, respectively. In addition, the redox potential in the surface sediment was reversed from -125 mV to 168 mV after algal sedimentation with subsequent activated carbon capping. As a result, methane emissions in the algal sedimentation-activated carbon capping systems were decreased by 90.2% over the incubation period relative to the control system. This study provides useful insights into methane emission control in eutrophic waters.