The effectiveness of polyaluminum ferric chloride (PAFCl) for turbidity and color removal from Isfahan raw water

Abstract

In this study the performance of polyaluminum ferric chloride, a composite inorganic polymer of aluminum and ferric salt, was investigated for the removal of turbidity and color from Isfahan raw water. Water samples were collected from the main resource of Isfahan raw water. For the evaluation of the coagulation procedure, conventional Jar test apparatus was used according to the standard methods. Experiments were conducted in the School of Public Health, Isfahan University of Medical Science. The findings showed that the optimum pH for the coagulation of Isfahan raw water at August 2013 was 7.5–8 and the optimum dosage of the coagulant was 5 mg/L. Without filtration, the removal of turbidity, color and total coliform achieved was 85, 100, and 86%, respectively, at the above-mentioned dosage and pH. Residual turbidity, color, and UV254 dropped below 0.33 NTU, zero Pt.Co Units, and 0.022 cm−1, respectively. As, the residual concentration of aluminum and iron in treated water was 0.008 and 0.05 mg/L, respectively, this coagulant does not has any adverse health effect on consumers. The efficiency of this coagulant for the removal of turbidity, color, and organic matter in Isfahan raw water was very good and it has potential for selecting as a new coagulant for this city.