Cyanobacteria Treatment by Novel DAF Process

Rita K. Henderson,1* Russell K.L. Yap,1 Simon A. Parsons2 and Bruce Jefferson2
1UNSW Water Research Centre, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, AUSTRALIA
2Centre for Water Science, Cranfield University, Bedfordshire, UK

* Email: r.henderson@unsw.edu.au

Conventional DAF Treatment

In the conventional treatment of algae laden water by dissolved air flotation (DAF), coagulation and flocculation is a crucial step to
ensure efficient collection of contaminants with air bubbles. In this treatment, negatively charged algal cells are treated with
positively charged coagulants (such as alum). This facilitates the formation of flocs which are then floated using micro-bubbles
created using an air-saturated water stream.

Chemical Addition
Coagulation / Flocculation Flotation Disinfection
Sludge

Filtration

Recycle flow
Air Saturated Water Saturator
Al3+ - -
- - Algae floc -
Al3+ - - Al3+ Problem Statement and Aim -
- +
- - +
- Bubbles The effective coagulation of algae can often be difficult +
+
- resulting in poor removal. In turn, this causes shortened filter
- +
run times and unwanted residuals in product stream, resulting
- -
in higher disinfection chemical demand.
The aim of this research, is to modify the surface of the
Conventional flotation: bubbles instead of altering the surface properties of the algae. Novel DAF Process:
bubbles attach to algal flocs creating A range of chemicals were used to make the bubble “sticky”. Chemically modified bubbles can
bubble-particle agglomerates that The modified bubbles were tested on Microcystis aeruginosa. collect algae without the need for
can be floated coagulation

Potential Bubble Modifiers

“Is our bubble sticky enough?”
Surfactants 100

Surfactants attach to the bubble surface

Polymers
Optimum Removal

80
Polymers used protruded into the surrounding
Efficiency (%)

with their hydrophobic tails projecting into

the bubble leaving the charged end in the 60 solution enabling a bridging effect between
water phase. The result of modification with algae and bubbles. This effectively increases
CTAB matched theoretical predictions, 40 the treatment volume per bubble in this system.
displayed below. This indicates that
20
attachment efficiency was 100%. PolyDADMAC was found to be highly effective
In comparison, when alum was added to 0
for the removal of M. aeruginosa, exceeding
the saturator stream, flocs formed and the theoretical models in removal efficiency for
removal was achieved in the same fashion given recycle ratios (below). This process could
as conventional DAF – alum did not stick to also operate at bubble to particle ratios of 0.3,
the bubbles. one tenth of that used in conventional DAF.
Cells Removed Bubble -1

Surfactant Polymer
12 Exceeds theoretical model
Microcystis
100
100
% Removal

8 80
% Removal

80
60
60
4 40
40
20 20
Chlorella Asterionella Anabaena
0 0 0
0 10 20 30 40 50 0.01 0.1 1 10 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80
Algae size (µ
µm) Bubble:Particle Injection Ratio Equivalent Recycle Ratio (%)

A Look-ahead for Bubble Modification in DAF

From these trials, the use of polyDADMAC in bubble modification was highly effective for M. Sludge
aeruginosa, however this was not the case for other algal species. To overcome this hurdle, novel Inlet
chemicals are being synthesised to enhance bubble modification. The goal is to enable the
treatment of a much wider range of algal species and other contaminants with less sensitivity to
varying conditions as compared to conventional treatment. To further this research, pilot scale To filters
tests will be conducted at water treatment facilities, with a plant capable of dosing treatment
Recycle
chemical in the saturated water stream. The novel DAF process will enable the treatment of
flow
elevated algae concentrations and furthermore eliminate the need of coagulation / flocculation
steps. Air Saturated Water Saturator
with Treatment Chemical

Acknowledgements
Previous Research
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, Anglian Water, Northumbrian Water, Thames Water and Yorkshire Water
Current Research
Australian Research Council. LP0990189, United Water, SA Water, Melbourne Water, SEQ Water
References
Henderson, R. K., et al. (2008). "Surfactants as bubble surface modifiers in the flotation of algae: Dissol
solved air flotation that utilizes a chemically modified bubble surface."
Environmental Science and Technology 42(13): ): 4883-4888.
Henderson, R. K., et al. (2009). "The potential for using bubble modification chemicals in dissolved air flotation for algae removal." Separation Science and Technology
44(9): 1923-1940.
Henderson, R. K., et al. (2010). "Polymers as bubble surface modifiers in the flotation of algae."
a Environmental Technology 31(7): 781 – 790.