Release Of Intracellular Organic Matter Research Articles

Eliminating Cyanobacteria and Controlling Algal Organic Matter—Short Notes

Coagulation and flocculation processes could reduce particulate algal cells efficiently, but they are not so performant in dealing with solubilized algal organic matter in potable water factories. This work reviews the main findings found in recent publications. Many techniques used in the water treatment industry encounter the problem of microalgae lysis, toxin release, and degradation. Indeed, chemical coagulants such as alum and pre-oxidation injecting chlorine can trigger demolition to algal cell integrity leading to the release of intracellular organic matter. As suggestion, chlorination could be decreased to the disinfection (i.e., before sand filtration) averting pre-disinfection and keeping the post-disinfection. Moreover, algae recuperation instead of its removal in drinking water treatment plants remains an encouraging outlook especially if the surface water arrives from dams where algae blooms happen usually. Algae remain a sustainable energy resource with a huge capacity for CO2 fixation. The micro-algae could be developed in photo-bioreactors or in open ponds. A fresh attracting domain of investigation would be fast and simultaneous algal biodiesel production with drinking water treatment in the biodiesel production/water treatment plant without chemicals use.

Efficient Microcystis aeruginosa removal by moderate photocatalysis-enhanced coagulation with magnetic Zn-doped Fe3O4 particles

Photocatalysis is becoming a popular method for the inactivation of algae cells. However, the previous research has mainly focused on the destruction of algae cells by photocatalysis for control of harmful blooms in natural waters. This study aims to investigate the effect of photocatalytic pretreatment on the coagulation process for Microcystis aeruginosa removal. Photocatalytic pretreatment by recyclable magnetic Zn-doped Fe3O4 particles under visible-light was indicated to enhance the algae removal efficiency from 10% to 96% with the catalyst dose of 0.05 g/L. The possible mechanism involved in the enhancement was explored by analyzing variations in the algal suspension from the aspects of cell integrity, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, cell morphology, and dissolved organic matter (DOM). The photocatalytic process was proved to realize moderate pretreatment of algae cells by destabilization of the algae cells without damaging cell integrity. The damaged cell ratios were all below 6% even after 360-min photocatalytic pretreatment, which could avoid the undesirable release of intracellular organic matter (IOM). The increase in SOD activity with prolonged photocatalytic time indicated that algae cells were stimulated to extensively activate SOD to resist the oxidative damage induced by the photocatalysis. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) measurements further revealed that superoxide radicals were generated and involved in the photocatalytic pretreatment process. Additionally, increased DOC values in the algal suspension were induced by the desorption of mucilage from algae cells. The desorbed mucilage was proved to be mainly composed of large or medium MW rather than small MW compounds, which could further enhance the coagulation. Therefore, the efficient coagulation of algal suspensions can be realized by moderate pretreatment of M. aeruginosa via the magnetic Zn-doped Fe3O4 particle photocatalysis process.

Formation mechanisms of emerging organic contaminants during on-line membrane cleaning with NaOCl in MBR

On-line chemical cleaning with sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) is widely employed for sustaining MBR permeability, during which the inevitable contact between activated sludge and NaOCl had been shown to trigger substantial release of dissolved organic matter (DOM). Therefore, this work further explored the formation mechanisms of such DOM by looking into the respective reactions of intracellular organic matter (IOM) and cell debris in activated sludge with NaOCl. The results showed that DOM was primarily produced from the dissolution of cell wall, while IOM release was insignificant at the NaOCl concentration of 25 mg/L as Cl2. On the basis of experimental observations, a three-step mechanism was proposed for elucidating the DOM formation from activated sludge upon NaOCl exposure: (i) NaOCl first damaged cells by perforating cellular wall, producing a considerable amount of humic-like substances and low-molecular-weight halogenated byproducts; (ii) IOM was released but rapidly degraded and humified by NaOCl, accompanied with the formation of relatively high-molecular-weight halogenated byproducts; (iii) the residual NaOCl and combined chlorine continued to react with cell wall or likely diffused into cells leading to the deactivation of DNA/enzymes. Consequently, this study offers mechanistic insights into the origination of emerging contaminants during on-line membrane cleaning of practical MBR.

Effects of ultrasound on Microcystis aeruginosa cell destruction and release of intracellular organic matter.

Harmful algal blooms negatively impact ecosystems and threaten drinking water sources. One potential method to effectively counteract algal blooms is ultrasonication. However, ultrasonication can easily lead to the release of intracellular organic matter (IOM). The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the destruction of algal cells and IOM release at different ultrasound frequencies. Microcystis aeruginosa cells were ultrasonicated at 20kHz with an intensity of 0.038W/mL, 740kHz with an intensity of 0.113W/mL, and 1120kHz with an intensity of 0.108W/mL. The IOM release was detected by fluorescence spectroscopy in addition to the more commonly used haemocytometry and optical density. After ultrasonication for 15min, the removal rate of algal cells reached 10.5% at 20kHz, 9.46% at 740kHz, and 35.4% at 1120kHz. The 20kHz and 740kHz ultrasound caused local damage to algal cells and then disrupted them, whereas the 1120kHz ultrasound directly disrupted most algal cells. The extracellular organic matter (EOM), which was increased by ultrasonication, mainly consisted of protein-like compounds, chlorophyll, and a small amount of humic-like substances. Gas vacuoles had been destructed before the cells were broken, as indicated by the decrease of cell size and the wrinkles on the cell surface. Moreover, the removal of algae cells while upholding integrity is more conducive to the safety of the water environment.

Removal of Microcystis aeruginosa and control of algal organic matters by potassium ferrate(VI) pre-oxidation enhanced Fe(II) coagulation

The problem of cyanobacteria blooms during potable water production has generated wide concern. Ferrate(VI) serving as a pre-oxidation tactic was first applied to enhance conventional Fe(II) coagulation for Microcystis aeruginosa-laden water treatment at lab scale. Results demonstrated that ferrate(VI) pre-oxidation could successfully destabilize algae cells through destroying the protective organic layer. The residual ferrate(VI) together with post-added Fe(II) could provoke a comproportionation reaction, where large amounts of Fe hydrolyzates [Fe(OH)3] are formed. The in-situ Fe(OH)3 with abundant reactive surface is responsible for the promotion of flocs growth by facilitating the clustering and cross-linking of algal organic matters (AOM) and cyanobacteria cells, simultaneously resulting in satisfactory reductions in OD680, turbidity and UV254. Overdose of ferrate(VI) could cause severe cell destruction along with the release of intracellular organic matter (IOM), which may impair the water quality by increasing the concentration of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and the disinfection by-products formation potential (DBPFP). Meanwhile, considering the Fe residual in settled water, the optimal ferrate(VI) dose (20 µM) and Fe(II) dose (80 µM) were proposed. Besides, the synergistic effect of both the degradation by ferrate(VI) and the adsorption by in-situ Fe(OH)3 contributed to the removal of DOC and Microcystin-LR. This study suggests that ferrate(VI) might be a potential candidate for pre-treatment to assist Fe(II) coagulation when addressing algae-laden water.

Evaluation of disruption/permeabilization methodologies for Microcystis aeruginosa as alternatives to obtain high yields of microcystin release

The extraction of the wide range of useful bioactive compounds produced by cyanobacteria is still a major bottleneck at industrial scale. In addition to the high costs, extraction efficiencies are also commonly low, with low cell disruption efficiencies playing a particularly significant role in intracellular compounds' release. To increase the chances of an extended use of the cyanobacteria toxin microcystin in several biotechnological fields, we aimed to optimize five different disruption techniques: bead milling, microwave, freeze-thaw cycles, high-speed homogenization, and sonication. For each of the methods tested, the conditions that maximized the intracellular organic matter release were: i) 20% of beads and treatment time of 7 min (bead milling); ii) 800 W for 1.5 min (microwave); iii) three 12-h freeze-thaw cycles at −20 °C; iv) 15,000 rpm for 7 min (high-speed homogenization); and v) 40 kHz for 10 min (sonication).Sonication and freeze-thaw cycles followed by sonication revealed to be the most effective methodologies to ensure a maximum intracellular organic matter release and, consequently, microcystin availability for being extracted. The decrease of cells' viability was however more evident in freeze-thaw cycles, freeze-thaw cycles followed by sonication, and microwave where only 0.3, 0.05 and 0.9% of the initial cells, respectively, maintained their viability after being treated. On the other hand, sonication and bead milling reduced the viability of the original culture to 5 and 15.5%, respectively, while high-speed homogenization did not show any significant differences compared to control.According to the results obtained in this study, the most suitable methodology to maximize the release of microcystin was therefore the use of sonication (40 kHz) during 10 min.

•OH Inactivation of Cyanobacterial Blooms and Degradation of Toxins in Drinking Water Treatment System

Cyanobacterial blooms continue to serve as one of the most serious global issues threatening water supply and human health. During cyanobacterial bloom season, a large •OH-yield equipment was developed and installed after coagulation settling in a 12000 ton/day drinking water treatment system in Xiamen, China. An •OH concentration of 7.76∼57.8 μmol/L was formed by using the oxygen activated species generated by strong ionisation discharge combining with the effect of water jet cavitation. •OH pre-treatment at a dose of 1.0 mg/L inactivated cyanobacterial blooms in the process of conveying bloom water within only 20s, which were then removed by sand filtration. Under SEM observation, dominant Microcystis sp. colonies connected by mucilage were dispersed into individuals that still retained the cell integrity, indicating no release of intracellular organic matter (IOM). According to a flow cytometry analysis, the main cause of •OH inactivation was the breakage of DNA strands. Meanwhile, the •OH-mineralized microcystin-LR was by breaking the C=C conjugated diene bond and crucial opening the persistent benzene ring to carboxylic acid m/z 158.0. During •OH pre-treatment of 1.0 mg/L and NaClO disinfection of 0.5 mg/L, all water quality indexes and disinfection by-product (DBP) contents complied with the Chinese Sanitary Standards for Drinking Water. Therefore, the •OH based on the strong ionisation discharge showed great prospect for large-scale drinking water treatment in the removal of cyanobacterial blooms while retaining cell integrity as well as the degradation of toxins.

Moderate KMnO4-Fe(II) pre-oxidation for alleviating ultrafiltration membrane fouling by algae during drinking water treatment

Although ultrafiltration (UF) membranes are highly beneficial for removing algae, the removal process causes serious UF membrane fouling. To avoid the unfavorable effects of algal cells that have been damaged by oxidants, our previous study reported a novel, moderate pre-oxidation method (KMnO4-Fe(II) process) that aimed to achieve a balance between the release of intracellular organic matter and enhanced algae removal. This study further investigated the performance of a UF membrane with KMnO4-Fe(II) pretreatment in the presence of algae-laden reservoir water after a long running time. We found that algae could be completely removed, membrane fouling was significantly alleviated, and the overall performance was much better than that of Fe(III) coagulation alone. The transmembrane pressure (TMP) during Fe(III) coagulation increased to 42.8 kPa, however, that of the KMnO4-Fe(II) process only increased to 25.1 kPa for after running for 90 d. The slower transmembrane pressure was attributed to the larger floc size, higher surface activity, and inactivation of algae. Although there was little effect on microorganism development, lower microorganism abundance (20.7%) was observed during the KMnO4-Fe(II) process than during coagulation alone (44.9%) due to the release of extracellular polymeric substances. We also found that the floc cake layer was easily removed by washing, and many of the original membrane pores were clearly observed. Further analysis demonstrated that the effluent quality was excellent, especially its turbidity, chromaticity, and Mn and Fe concentrations. Based on the outstanding UF membrane performance, it may be concluded that the KMnO4-Fe(II) process exhibits considerable potential for application in the treatment of algae-laden water.

Pre-chlorination contact time and the removal and control of Microcystis aeroginosa in coagulation

The use of pre-oxidation is known to improve algae removal by coagulation and control the growth of algae. The contact time between oxidants and algae in pre-oxidation stage has been found as important parameter. This study investigated the effect of pre-chlorination contact time on the control and removal of cyanobacteria Microcystis aeruginosa by coagulation. The results showed that when the alum dose was sufficient, increasing contact time showed an improvement in algae removal by coagulation in case of high chlorine dose. The algae removal ratio at high chlorine dose, 3 mg L-1 increased when contact time increased and it decreased after 30 minutes of contact time. In contrast, the result from chlorine dose, 2 mg L-1, showed an unclear trend when contact time increased. Adding 2 mg L-1 of pre-chlorination with 10 minutes of contact time was enough to control the regrowth of M. aeruginosa. In addition, dissolve organic carbon (DOC) and UV absorbance at 254 nm, which particulary indicates aromatic compounds, tended to increase when the contact time increased. The increased of DOC and UV 254 indicated the release of intracellular organic matter (IOM) from M. aeruginosa. High level of DOC, 0.68 mg L-1 in this study showed negative effect on M. aeruginosa removal by coagulation and could not be removed by coagulation process.

Using a novel hydrogen-terminated porous Si wafer to enhance Microcystis aeruginosa effective removal by chitosan at a low dosage

A novel hydrogen-terminated porous Si wafer (H-PSi wafer), which could produce active radicals under visible light irradiation and has a good reusability, was proposed to enhance the Microcystis aeruginosa removal intactly by chitosan coagulation at a low dosage. The surface charge of M. aeruginosa, cell integrity, and release of intracellular organic matter from M. aeruginosa were investigated after H-PSi wafer pre-oxidation to reveal the related mechanism. The results show that, the surface charge of M. aeruginosa could be decreased after pre-oxidation, which is helpful to coagulation by the charge neutralization. Moderate pre-oxidation with suitable area of H-PSi wafer could avoid the intracellular organic matter released from algal cells and decrease the level of dissolved organic matter, and then the removal rate of M. aeruginosa by coagulation could be increased obviously. However, excessive pre-oxidation with larger area of H-PSi wafer will damage the algal cells, with intracellular organic matter releasing and the coagulation efficiency reducing. Furthermore, appropriate pre-oxidation could also effectively decrease the concentration of extracellular microcystins after chitosan coagulation. This study provides a promising technique to remove the toxic algae effectively and prevent the harm of blooms to drinking water production.

Fluorescence as a Surrogate for the Release of Intracellular Material From Cyanobacteria

Water treatment plants that apply preoxidation before physical cell removal can compromise cyanobacterial cell integrity and cause the release of intracellular organic matter (IOM) containing toxic or odorous metabolites. In this study, fluorescence was evaluated as a surrogate for IOM released from cyanobacterial cells following oxidation with ozone, chlorine, chlorine dioxide, or monochloramine. Oxidation of 200,000 cells/mL of Microcystis aeruginosa led to a significant increase in both the fluorescence index (FI) and the fluorescent dissolved organic matter (FDOM) intensity (excitation wavelength, 370 nm; emission wavelength, 460 nm). FI and FDOM proved impractical for detecting weakly fluorescing IOM released from Oscillatoria sp. and Lyngbya sp., indicating that the viability of fluorescence monitoring is cyanobacteria‐specific. For strongly fluorescing IOM, FI and FDOM can serve as qualitative surrogates for the concomitant release of metabolites. Elevated FI and FDOM were not sensitive to the concentration of microcystin‐LR but can provide an early warning that a utility's source water is at risk for metabolite release and accumulation.

Evaluating fluorescence spectroscopy as a tool to characterize cyanobacteria intracellular organic matter upon simulated release and oxidation in natural water

Intracellular organic matter (IOM) from cyanobacteria may be released into natural waters following cell death in aquatic ecosystems and during oxidation processes in drinking water treatment plants. Fluorescence spectroscopy was evaluated to identify the presence of IOM from three cyanobacteria species during simulated release into natural water and following oxidation processes (i.e. ozone, free chlorine, chloramine, chlorine dioxide). Peak picking and the fluorescence index (FI) were explored to determine which IOM components (e.g., pigments) provide unique and persistent fluorescence signatures with minimal interferences from the background dissolved organic matter (DOM) found in Colorado River water (CRW). When IOM was added to ultrapure water, the fluorescence signature of the three cyanobacteria species showed similarities to each other. Each IOM exhibited a strong protein-like fluorescence and fluorescence at Ex 370 nm and Em 460 nm (FDOM), where commercial fluorescence sensors monitor. All species also had strong phycobiliprotein fluorescence (i.e. phycocyanin or phycoerythrin) in the higher excitation range (500–650 nm). All three IOM isolates had FI values greater than 2. When IOM was added to CRW, phycobiliprotein fluorescence was quenched through interactions between IOM and CRW-DOM. Mixing IOM and CRW demonstrated that protein-like and FDOM intensity responses were not a simple superposition of the starting material intensities, indicating that interactions between IOM and CRW-DOM fluorescing moieties were important. Fluorescence intensity in all regions decreased with exposure to ozone, free chlorine, and chlorine dioxide, but the FI still indicated compositional differences compared to CRW-DOM. The phycobiliproteins in IOM are not promising as a surrogate for IOM release, because their fluorescence intensity is quenched by interactions with DOM and decreased during oxidation processes. Increases in both FDOM intensity and FI are viable qualitative indicators of IOM release in natural waters and following oxidation and may provide a more robust real-time indication of the presence of IOM than conventional dissolved organic carbon or UV absorbance measurements.

Removal of Microcystis aeruginosa by potassium ferrate (VI): Impacts on cells integrity, intracellular organic matter release and disinfection by-products formation

Abstract Bench scale tests were conducted to study the effect of potassium ferrate (VI) on cell integrity, intracellular organic matter release and disinfection by-products formation of Microcystis aeruginosa . The simulated algal suspension was prepared a concentration of 1.0 × 10 6 cells/mL and the cytoplasmic membrane integrity was measured with flow cytometry. Results showed that a quick inactivation was achieved after ferrate (VI) oxidation, although no obvious cell lysis was observed. Intracellular organic matter (IOM) release increased with ferrate (VI) dosage and contributed to the formation of trihalomethanes (THM) and haloacetic acids (HAA) as chlorination by-products. However, enhanced coagulation of ferrate (VI) significantly removed M. aeruginosa cells and decreased the algal organic matters (AOMs). Furthermore, the concentrations of THM and HAA were reduced by 71.1% and 67.1%, respectively. Consequently, this study demonstrated potassium ferrate (VI) could act as a dual-functional chemical reagent (i.e., oxidant and coagulant) and may be potentially used in addressing the algal-rich drinking water.

Effect of oxidant exposure on the release of intracellular microcystin, MIB, and geosmin from three cyanobacteria species

The release of intracellular microcystin-LR (MC-LR), 2-methylisoborneol (MIB), and geosmin was investigated after the oxidation of three cyanobacteria (Microcystis aeruginosa (MA), Oscillatoria sp. (OSC), and Lyngbya sp. (LYN)). During the oxidation of 200,000 cells/mL of MA, release of intracellular MC-LR exceeded the World Health Organization (WHO) guideline of 1 μg/L during the lowest oxidant exposures (CT) tested: ozone (0 mg-min/L, below the ozone demand), chlorine (<40 mg-min/L), chlorine dioxide (<560 mg-min/L), and chloramine (<640 mg-min/L). As the CT increased, ozone, chlorine, and chlorine dioxide were able to oxidize the released MC-LR. During the oxidation of OSC (2800 cells/mL) and LYN (1600 cells/mL), release of intracellular MIB and geosmin exceeded reported threshold odor values after exposure to chlorine, chlorine dioxide, and chloramine, which have low reactivity with these taste and odor compounds. Ozone oxidation of OSC yielded an increase in MIB concentration at lower exposures (≤2.9 mg-min/L), likely due to insufficient oxidation by hydroxyl radicals. The release of intracellular organic matter (IOM) was also measured to determine the potential of bulk measurements to act as a surrogate for cyanotoxins and metabolite release. In all cases, the dissolved organic carbon (DOC) release was less than 0.25 mgC/L, which lacked the sensitivity to indicate the release of MC-LR, MIB, or geosmin. The fluorescence index proved to be a more sensitive indicator of intracellular organic matter release than DOC for MA. These results illustrate that toxic or odorous compounds may be released from cyanobacteria cells during oxidation processes with minimal changes in the DOC concentration.

Effect of O3 and O3/H2O2 on algae harvesting using chitosan

We examined the effects of pre-oxidation using ozone (O3) and a combination of O3 and hydrogen peroxide (O3/H2O2) on algae suspensions and their harvesting. Inactivation of algae cells, release of intracellular organic matter (IOM), mineralization of extracellular organic matter (EOM), and changes in molecular weight distribution of EOM were found after pre-oxidation. Enhanced separation efficiency of turbidity, dissolved organic carbon (DOC), protein, and polysaccharide using chitosan and polyaluminum chloride (PACl) was found after pre-oxidation, especially when algae cells were subject to O3/H2O2. Chitosan showed higher efficiency than PACl. Judging from the remarkable increase in floc size, it was proposed that released IOM formed complexes with cationic chitosan and resulted in enhanced dual flocculation and facilitated algae separation.

Effects of ozone and peroxone on algal separation via dispersed air flotation

Effects of pre-oxidation on algal separation by dispersed air flotation were examined. Ozone (O3) and peroxone (O3 and H2O2) could induce cell lysis, release of intracellular organic matter (IOM), and mineralization of organic substances. Separation efficiency of algal cells improved when pre-oxidized. Total of 76.4% algal cells was separated at 40mg/L of N-cetyl-N-N-N-trimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), while 95% were separated after 30-min ozonation. Pre-oxidation by ozone and peroxone also enhanced flotation separation efficiency of dissolved organic carbon (DOC), polysaccharide, and protein, in which peroxone process exerted more significantly than O3. Two main mechanisms were involved in flotation separation of unoxidized algal suspension, namely hydrophobic cell surface and cell flocculation resulting from CTAB adsorption. However, flocculation by CTAB was hindered for pre-oxidized algal suspensions. It implied that the compositional changes in extracellular organic matter (EOM) by pre-oxidation were more determined for flotation separation of pre-oxidized cells.

Effect of moderate pre-oxidation on the removal of Microcystis aeruginosa by KMnO 4–Fe(II) process: Significance of the in-situ formed Fe(III)

This study developed a novel KMnO 4–Fe(II) process to remove the cells of Microcystis aeruginosa, and the mechanisms involved in have been investigated. At KMnO 4 doses of 0–10.0 μM, the KMnO 4–Fe(II) process showed 23.4–53.3% higher efficiency than the KMnO 4–Fe(III) process did. This was first attributed to the moderate pre-oxidation of M. aeruginosa by KMnO 4, achieved by dosing Fe(II) after a period of pre-oxidation, to cease the further release of intracellular organic matter (IOM) and the degradation of dissolved organic matter (DOM). The extensive exposure of M. aeruginosa to KMnO 4 in KMnO 4–Fe(III) process led to high levels and insufficient molecular weight of DOM, inhibiting the subsequent Fe(III) coagulation. Additionally, Fe(II) contributed to lower levels of the in-situ formed MnO 2, the reduction product of KMnO 4 which adversely affected algae removal by Fe(III) coagulation. However, the in-situ formed Fe(III), which was derived from the oxidation of Fe(II) by KMnO 4, in-situ MnO 2, and dissolved oxygen, dominated the remarkably high efficiency of KMnO 4–Fe(II) process with respect to the removal of M. aeruginosa. On one hand, in-situ formed Fe(III) had more reactive surface area than pre-formed Fe(III). On the other hand, the continuous introduction of fresh Fe(III) coagulant showed higher efficiency than one-off dosage of coagulant to destabilize M. aeruginosa cells and to increase the flocs size. Moreover, the MnO 2 precipitated on algae cell surfaces and contributed to the formation of in-situ formed Fe(III), which may act as bridges to enhance the removal of M. aeruginosa.

Effects and mechanisms of pre-chlorination on Microcystis aeruginosa removal by alum coagulation: Significance of the released intracellular organic matter

Although pre-chlorination has been widely applied to enhance the removal of algae, the mechanisms involved in the process have not been well illustrated. This study used Microcystis aeruginosa to investigate the effects of chlorination on the algae cells (i.e., surface charge, cell integrity, and release of intracellular organic matter (IOM)), and the subsequent influence on algae removal by alum coagulation. Though intracellular K+ and IOM released after the exposure of M. aeruginosa to chlorine, no considerable change in the morphology was observed for the majority of algae cells. This indicated the significance of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in the removal of algae, which consisted of released IOM and natural organic matter (NOM). Chlorine dose had a substantial impact on the concentration and characteristics of DOM, and accordingly on the optimum dosage range of alum for effective coagulation of algae cells. High molecular weight (MW) DOM aided the coagulation by favoring the formation of larger flocs and decreased the optimum alum doses to achieve the maximum removal of DOM. Released IOM also had high ratios of protein/IOM to form protein–alum complexes, which increased coagulant demand and inhibited the cross linking and clustering of alum-hydroxide polymers to disturb coagulation.

Effect of preozonation on characteristics of algae cells and algae-derived organic matter (AOM) with respect to their removal by coagulation

The presence of algae cells and algae-derived organic matter (AOM) including extracellular organic matter (EOM) and intracellular organic matter (IOM) has a significant impact on drinking water treatment. Jar tests were conducted with or without preozonation to assess the effect of preozonation on the characteristics of AOM and algae cells with respect to their removal by the following coagulation process. Algae cells and AOM were analyzed by photomicrography, particle size distribution, UV absorbance scanning, HPSEC-UV and batch ultrafiltration (UF). Micrographs and particle size distribution of algae cells with or without ozonation showed that ozonation could oxidize chlorophyll in algae cells, damage algae cells to varying degrees and increase the settling property of algae cells. UV absorbance scanning showed there were more protein-like substances in AOM. Molecular weight (MW) distribution revealed that IOM and EOM had almost the same species of organic matter: the major species of IOM was organic matter with high MW and EOM was organic matter with lower MW. Overall, preozonation can enhance the coagulation process by greatly increasing the removal efficiency of algae cells and particles. At the same time, preozonation is not very effective on enhancing AOM removal, for it is limited in improving the removal rate of EOM, and it can cause the release of IOM.