Controlling harmful algae blooms using aluminum-modified clay

Mar Pollut Bull. 2016 Feb 15;103(1-2):211-219. doi: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2015.12.017. Epub 2016 Jan 4.

Abstract

The performances of aluminum chloride modified clay (AC-MC), aluminum sulfate modified clay (AS-MC) and polyaluminum chloride modified clay (PAC-MC) in the removal of Aureococcus anophagefferens were compared, and the potential mechanisms were analyzed according to the dispersion medium, suspension pH and clay surface charges. The results showed that AC-MC and AS-MC had better efficiencies in removing A.anophagefferens than PAC-MC. The removal mechanisms of the three modified clays varied. At optimal coagulation conditions, the hydrolysates of AC and AS were mainly monomers, and they transformed into Al(OH)3(am) upon their addition to algae culture, with the primary mechanism being sweep flocculation. The PAC mainly hydrolyzed to the polyaluminum compounds, which remained stable when added to the algae culture, and the flocculation mainly occurred through polyaluminum compounds. The suspension pH significantly influenced the aluminum hydrolysate and affected the flocculation between the modified clay and algae cells.

Keywords: Aluminum-modified clay; Dispersion medium; HABs control; Removal mechanism; Surface charge; Suspension pH.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aluminum / pharmacology*
  • Aluminum Hydroxide*
  • Aluminum Silicates
  • Clay
  • Flocculation
  • Harmful Algal Bloom / drug effects*
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Phytoplankton / physiology*

Substances

  • Aluminum Silicates
  • aluminum oxychloride
  • Aluminum Hydroxide
  • Aluminum
  • Clay