Removal of algal blooms in freshwater using magnetic polymer

Abstract

Removal of algal blooms in freshwater using magnetic polymer was studied by magnetic field. Results showed that magnetic polymer at optimal loadings (4 mg/Lferroferric oxide modified with 1.6 mg/Lchitosan) could remove over 99% algal cells; meanwhile, the removal efficiency of COD, total nitrogen and phosphorus was found to be 85.0%, 73.9% and 28.7% respectively. Furthermore, effects of ionic strength, pH and cell concentration on the removal of algal cells were analyzed: ionic strength had a negative effect on the removal efficiency which increased with the increase of cell concentration and reached a maximum at pH 7.0.