The impact of cell morphology and algal organic matter on algal floc properties

Abstract

Physical floc properties were systematically investigated by analysing the structure of algal and cyanobacterial flocs produced by five species (green algae (Chlorella vulgaris) and cyanobacteria (Microcystis aeruginosa (strain CS-564), Microcystis aeruginosa (strain CS-555/01), Dolichospermum circinale and Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii) using aluminium sulphate (alum) at different doses and pH values. The properties of spherical, compact flocs were determined using a laser diffraction instrument and a new in situ image analysis technique was validated to analyse the structure of more complex flocs. The incorporation of algal-derived organic matter (AOM) into the flocs was inferred by evaluating the dissolved organic matter concentration character before and after flocculation using liquid chromatography with organic carbon detection (LC-OCD). D. circinale, C. raciborskii, and M. aeruginosa (CS-564) produced large flocs (2–9 mm), while M. aeruginosa (CS-555) and C. vulgaris produced smaller flocs (<2 mm). While differences in physical floc properties were observed to result from changes in coagulation mechanism, the cell morphology and the AOM composition were the most influential factors. Examination of floc properties can give a rapid insight at the plant for trouble shooting, particularly through the use of the in situ techniques and provide a mechanism by which floc properties can be tailored to downstream processes.