Removal of direct dyes by coagulation: the performance of preformed polymeric aluminum species

Comprehensive experimental and numerical investigations of the effect of frequency and acoustic intensity on the sonolytic degradation of naphthol blue black in water

In the present work, comprehensive experimental and numerical investigations of the effects of frequency and acoustic intensity on the sonochemical degradation of naphthol blue black (NBB) in water have been carried out. The experiments have been examined at three frequencies (585, 860 and 1140 kHz) and over a wide range of acoustic intensities. The observed experimental results have been discussed using a more realistic approach that combines the single bubble sonochemistry and the number of active bubbles. The single bubble yield has been predicted using a model that combines the bubble dynamics with chemical kinetics consisting of series of chemical reactions (73 reversible reactions) occurring inside an air bubble during the strong collapse. The experimental results showed that the sonochemical degradation rate of NBB increased substantially with increasing acoustic intensity and decreased with increasing ultrasound frequency. The numerical simulations revealed that NBB degraded mainly through the reaction with hydroxyl radical (OH), which is the dominant oxidant detected in the bubble during collapse. The production rate of OH radical inside a single bubble followed the same trend as that of NBB degradation rate. It increased with increasing acoustic intensity and decreased with increasing frequency. The enhancing effect of acoustic intensity toward the degradation of NBB was attributed to the rise of both the individual chemical bubble yield and the number of active bubbles with increasing acoustic intensity. The reducing effect of frequency was attributed to the sharp decrease in the chemical bubble yield with increasing frequency, which would not compensated by the rise of the number of active bubbles with the increase in ultrasound frequency.

Enhanced decolorization of aqueous dye solutions by a high quality copolymer flocculant

A high quality copolymer flocculant (CATCS) with a high positive charge and unique strong bridging function is reported for the enhanced decolorization of dye solutions.

One-pot hydrothermal synthesis of hematite-reduced graphene oxide composites for efficient removal of malachite green from aqueous solution

The α-Fe₂O₃–rGO materials prepared by one-pot hydrothermal conditions exhibit an excellent capacity to remove MG from water.

Removal of methyl violet dye by adsorption onto N-benzyltriazole derivatized dextran

Methyl violet dye/N-benzyltriazole derivatized dextran interactions.

Optimization of the combined ultrasonic assisted/adsorption method for the removal of malachite green by zinc sulfide nanoparticles loaded on activated carbon: experimental design

The aim of the present study is experimental design optimization applied to the removal of malachite green (MG) from aqueous solution by ultrasound-assisted removal onto zinc sulfide nanoparticles loaded on activated carbon (ZnS-NP-AC).

Poly(acrylic acid) functionalized magnetic graphene oxide nanocomposite for removal of methylene blue

A polyacrylic acid functionalized magnetic Fe₃O₄nanoparticle-graphene oxide nanocomposite shows high adsorption capacity of dye and excellent recyclability in water treatment.

Goldcore–polyanilineshell composite nanowires as a substrate for surface enhanced Raman scattering and catalyst for dye reduction

The unique morphology of the nanocomposite is due to the confinement, typical diffusion path and the interaction between PANI and Au-nanoparticles.

Adsorption isotherms and kinetics of activated carbons produced from coals of different ranks

Activated carbons (ACs) from six coals, ranging from low-rank lignite brown coal to high-rank stone coal, were utilized as adsorbents to remove basic methylene blue (MB) from an aqueous solution. The surface properties of the obtained ACs were characterized via thermal analysis, N2 isothermal sorption, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Boehm titration. As coal rank decreased, an increase in the heterogeneity of the pore structures and abundance of oxygen-containing functional groups increased MB coverage on its surface. The equilibrium data fitted well with the Langmuir model, and adsorption capacity of MB ranged from 51.8 to 344.8 mg g⁻¹. Good correlation coefficients were obtained using the intra-particle diffusion model, indicating that the adsorption of MB onto ACs is diffusion controlled. The values of the effective diffusion coefficient ranged from 0.61 × 10⁻¹⁰ to 7.1 × 10⁻¹⁰ m² s⁻¹, indicating that ACs from lower-rank coals have higher effective diffusivities. Among all the ACs obtained from selected coals, the AC from low-rank lignite brown coal was the most effective in removing MB from an aqueous solution.

Decolorization of dyeing wastewater and characterization of flocs during coagulation by a new composite coagulant

A composite coagulant, polymeric aluminum ferric chloride-poly-epichlorohydrin-ethylenediamine (PAFC-EPI-ETA), was synthesized and then used for the treatment of synthetic reactive brilliant red (RBR) dyeing wastewater. Effects of (Fe+Al) to EPI-ETA mass ratio (P) on the color removal and zeta potential were investigated under different coagulant dosages and initial pHs. Experimental results indicate that the removal of reactive dye and the charge neutralization ability of composite coagulant were improved by increasing the content of organic EPI-ETA. PAFC-EPI-ETA with P=1 achieved the best color removal percentage and strongest charge neutralization ability. Decolorization efficiency using PAFC-EPI-ETA was quite effecient with pH range of 6.0-7.5 for RBR dye removal. Characteristics of the formed floc were investigated with the dosage of PAFC-EPI-ETA under different P values. The low (Fe+Al) to EPI-ETA mass ratio contributed to the formation of flocs with high growth rate, large size and large size variation.

A novel magnetic polysaccharide–graphene oxide composite for removal of cationic dyes from aqueous solution

Magnetic adsorbents with more adsorption sites can realize efficient adsorption of cationic dyes.

Preparation, characterization and application of magnetic Fe3O4-CS for the adsorption of orange I from aqueous solutions

Fe₃O₄ (Fe₃O₄-CS) coated with magnetic chitosan was prepared as an adsorbent for the removal of Orange I from aqueous solutions and characterized by FTIR, XRD, SEM, TEM and TGA measurements. The effects of pH, initial concentration and contact time on the adsorption of Orange I from aqueous solutions were investigated. The decoloration rate was higher than 94% in the initial concentration range of 50–150 mg L⁻¹ at pH 2.0. The maximum adsorption amount was 183.2 mg g⁻¹ and was obtained at an initial concentration of 400 mg L⁻¹ at pH 2.0. The adsorption equilibrium was reached in 30 minutes, demonstrating that the obtained adsorbent has the potential for practical application. The equilibrium adsorption isotherm was analyzed by the Freundlich and Langmuir models, and the adsorption kinetics were analyzed by the pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order kinetic models. The higher linear correlation coefficients showed that the Langmuir model (R² = 0.9995) and pseudo-second-order model (R² = 0.9561) offered the better fits.

Fe@Fe2O3 core-shell nanowires enhanced Fenton oxidation by accelerating the Fe(III)/Fe(II) cycles

In this study we demonstrate Fe@Fe2O3 core-shell nanowires can improve Fenton oxidation efficiency by two times with rhodamine B as a model pollutant at pH > 4. Active species trapping experiments revealed that the rhodamine B oxidation enhancement was attributed to molecular oxygen activation induced by Fe@Fe2O3 core-shell nanowires. The molecular oxygen activation process could generate superoxide radicals to assist iron core for the reduction of ferric ions to accelerate the Fe(III)/Fe(II) cycles, which favored the H2O2 decomposition to produce more hydroxyl radicals for the rhodamine B oxidation. The combination of Fe@Fe2O3 core-shell nanowires and ferrous ions (Fe@Fe2O3/Fe(2+)) offered a superior Fenton catalyst to decompose H2O2 for producing OH. We employed benzoic acid as a probe reagent to check the generation of OH and found the OH generation rate of Fe@Fe2O3/Fe(2+) was 2-4 orders of magnitude larger than those of commonly used iron based Fenton catalysts and 38 times that of Fe(2+). The reusability and the stability of Fe@Fe2O3 core-shell nanowires were studied. Total organic carbon and ion chromatography analyses revealed the mineralization of rhodamine B and the releasing of nitrate ions. Gas chromatograph-mass spectrometry was used to investigate the degradation intermediates to propose the possible rhodamine B Fenton oxidation pathway in the presence of Fe@Fe2O3 nanowires. This study not only provides a new Fenton oxidation system for pollutant control, but also widen the application of molecular oxygen activation induced by nanoscale zero valent iron.

Effects of compound bioflocculant on coagulation performance and floc properties for dye removal

A series of jar tests was conducted to investigate the coagulation performance of using compound bioflocculant (CBF) as a coagulant aid with aluminum sulfate (AS) and polyaluminum chloride (PAC) in synthetic dyeing wastewater treatment. Floc size, growth, breakage, re-growth and sedimentation natural were investigated by PDA2000. The results showed that the corresponding dual-coagulants of AS and PAC enhanced the color removal efficiency, especially at low aluminum dosage. Results also indicated that the floc generated by aluminum salts and CBF had larger size and higher growth rate. In addition, for both AS and PAC the floc recoverability was improved by addition of CBF. The adsorption and bridging effect of CBF performed a positive role in dye wastewater treatment.

Technical and economic feasibility of polyester dyeing wastewater treatment by coagulation/flocculation and Fenton's oxidation

This study aims to investigate the efficiency of individual and integrated processes applied to organic matter abatement and biodegradability improvement of a polyester dyeing wastewater, namely coagulation/flocculation combined with Fenton's reagent (Approach 1), Fenton oxidation alone (Approach 2) and its integration with coagulation/flocculation (Approach 3). The effects of Fe2+ dose, initial concentration of the oxidant (H202) and temperature during Fenton's oxidation were evaluated in Approaches 1 and 2, whereas in Approach 3 the influence ofpH and flocculant dose was also assessed, during the coagulation/flocculation stage. Toxicity and biodegradability of the final effluent were also evaluated. After oxidation, a slight increase in the specific oxygen uptake rate of the effluent was observed (from 27.0 up to 28.5-30.0mg O2/(gVSSh)) and the inhibition to Vibrio fischeri was eliminated. An effluent that complies with discharge standards was obtained in all cases; however, Approach 3 revealed to be a promising solution for treating this effluent as it leads to smaller operating costs. Therefore, the use of dissolved iron resulting from Fenton's oxidation as coagulant in the second stage was shown to be an innovative, efficient and economically attractive strategy for treating these effluents.

Design and fabrication of branched polyamine functionalized mesoporous silica: an efficient absorbent for water remediation

A novel branched polyamine (polyethyleneimine, PEI) functionalized mesoporous silica (MS) adsorbent is developed via a facile "grafting-to" approach. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy verified the effective surface functionalization of MS with monolayer and polymer. The transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was employed to reveal the morphology of the fabricated materials. The adsorption behavior of the polyamine functionalized mesoporous silica (MS-PEI) is assessed against anionic dyes. The adsorbent characteristics of MS-PEI are compared with a monolayer platform comprising of 3-aminopropyltriethoxy silane (APTES) functionalized mesoporous silica (MS-APTES). The adsorption behavior of the MS-PEI and MS-APTES toward anionic dyes is further evaluated by studying the effect of adsorbent dosage, pH, contact time, and temperature. Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models are employed to understand the adsorption mechanism. The obtained kinetic data support a pseudo-second-order adsorption behavior for both monolayer and polymer functionalized MS. The associated thermodynamic parameters (ΔG°, ΔH°, and ΔS°) reveal that the process of adsorption with MS-PEI is more spontaneous and energetically favored as compared to the adsorption with MS-APTES. Taken together, the novel adsorbent system derived from a combination of MS and branched polymer (MS-PEI) shows the higher absorption efficiency and capacity toward the anionic dyes than the monolayer based adsorbent (MS-APTES).

An important improvement in Ferron-timed spectrophotometry

Ferron dosage ([Ferron]) is key to ferron-timed spectrophotometry (ferron assay). In order to clarify some important questions, the following studies were conducted: (1) The effect of [Ferron] on the sensitivity of total aluminum (AlT) determination was experimentally investigated and ²⁷Al nuclear magnetic resonance (²⁷Al NMR) spectroscopy was used to verify our developed Ferron assay; (2) the chemical equilibrium calculation was employed to analyze the effect of [Ferron] on the determination of AlT; and (3) the main reason for insufficient [Ferron] was further analyzed. This is the first study to standardize a ferron assay operating procedure.

Facile and rapid synthesis of a dithiol-protected Ag7 quantum cluster for selective adsorption of cationic dyes

We report a facile and rapid (less than 15 min) synthesis of atomically precise, dithiol-protected, silver quantum cluster, Ag7(DMSA)4 (DMSA: meso-2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid), through a modified solid state route. The as-synthesized cluster exhibits molecular optical absorption features with a prominent λmax at ~500 nm. Composition of the cluster was confirmed using various spectroscopic and microscopic techniques such as electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI MS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and energy dispersive analysis of X-rays (EDAX). Clusters supported on neutral alumina have been shown as better adsorbents for selective adsorption of cationic dyes (over anionic dyes) from water. This selectivity for cationic dyes was evaluated by zeta potential (ζ) measurements. The efficiency of clusters for removal of dyes is very high when compared to nanoparticles (NPs) protected with ligands (citrate and mercaptosuccinic acid (MSA)) possessing similar chemical structures as that of DMSA. The higher efficiency of clusters for the removal of dyes is attributed to their smaller size and large surface area compared to the NPs in addition to favorable electrostatic interactions between the clusters and cationic dyes. Adsorption of dyes (cationic and anionic) was enhanced when dye molecules contain hydrogen bond forming functional groups. Supported clusters have been reused up to five cycles without the loss of activity once the adsorbed dye is extracted using suitable solvents.

Treatment of textile dye wastewaters using ferrous sulphate in a chemical coagulation/flocculation process

The coagulation/flocculation treatment using FeSO4 x 7H2O as a coagulant is evaluated in this work for the removal of organic compounds and colour from synthetic effluents simulating the cotton, acrylic and polyester dyeing wastewaters. The coagulant dose, temperature, pH, stirring speed and stirring time that maximized the removal of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and colour for each effluent are determined for the coagulation process. The effect of the stirring speed, stirring time and the dose of flocculant (Magnafloc 155 or Superfloc C-573) on the flocculation stage is also evaluated for effluents pretreated by coagulation at the optimal conditions previously determined. The obtained results showed that the optimal operating conditions are different for each effluent, and the process (coagulation/flocculation) as a whole was efficient in terms of colour removal (-91% for cotton, -94% for acrylic effluents; polyester effluent is practically colourless). However, the DOC removal observed is not significant (33% for polyester, -45% for cotton and -28% for acrylic effluents). On the other hand, the remaining dissolved iron content is appropriate for further integrating the treatment with an iron-catalysed Fenton process, thus reducing the consumption of chemicals in the overall treatment.

Impact of different shapes and types of mixers on sludge dewaterability

The most significant operational cost in a treatment plant is related to the dewatering and disposal of sludge. In this research, different shapes of mixers (radial, axial, wheel, three-blade and magnetic) have been tested to assess their influence on sludge dewaterability testing. As well as the shape of mixers, different rapid mixing velocities, rapid mixing times and coagulants also have been used as test parameters. The capillary suction time (CST) test apparatus was used as a rapid measure to assess sludge dewaterability. Findings indicate that the use of magnetic stirrers leads to the lowest sludge dewaterability properties tested using the CST. The magnetic stirrer produced greater vortex and turbulence compared with other types of mixers, so rapid contact between the coagulant and the water occurred. The use of the other mixers produced similar results. However, the application of different coagulants results differently regarding the sludge dewaterability, when using different rapid mixing velocities. Different rapid mixing times did not lead to differences in the CST. During rapid mixing, Moringa oleifera produced the highest CST values followed by alum and ferric. This is likely due to the difference in sludge volume that is produced by each coagulant. Only M. oleifera produced contaminant agglomerates. In comparison, alum and ferric produced contaminant agglomerates and coagulant hydrolysis products.

Treatment of colored and real industrial effluents through electrocoagulation using solar energy

This study was undertaken to investigate the removal of Acid Orange 2 (sodium 4-[(2E)-2-(2-oxonaphthalen-1-ylidene) hydrazinyl] benzenesulfonate) and Reactive Blue 19 (2-Anthracenesulfonicacid,1-amino-9,10-dihydro-9,10-dioxo-4-[[3-[[2-(sulfooxy) ethyl] sulfonyl] phenyl] amino]-,sodium salt (1:2)) from synthesized and real effluents through electrocoagulation using solar cells for the purpose of improving economic efficiency of the process. The impact of a number of key operating parameters was explored including current density, anode type, temperature, pH, and electrolyte concentration. The current density of 45 Am(-2) proved to be the optimum level for both dyes. The same optimum alternatives were found for the other parameters in both cases: iron anode, a temperature level of 25°C, a pH of 7, and an electrolyte concentration of 15 mg L(-1). Both effluent samples were subjected to COD (chemical oxygen demand) and TOC (total organic carbon) tests. Cost analysis was performed for the treatment process.

Removal of acid and direct dye by epichlorohydrin-dimethylamine: flocculation performance and floc aggregation properties

A cationic organic flocculant epichlorohydrin-dimethylamine (EPI-DMA) was employed for the treatment of acid and direct dye. The study aims at investigating the flocculation performance of EPI-DMA for the model dye, and corresponding floc aggregation properties, which were determined by jar test and photometric dispersion analysis, respectively. The interactions between cationic flocculant and anionic dye were investigated through spectra analysis. The results showed that EPI-DMA effectively decolorized the tested acid and direct dye. The viscosity and cationicity of EPI-DMA had different influence on the removal of different dye. Chemical interaction was observed between quaternary ammonium of EPI-DMA and sulfonic group of dye. The flocculation dynamic process showed that flocs with better aggregation and sedimentation properties were produced by EPI-DMA with higher viscosity and cationicity for acid dye. Contrarily, flocs with the best aggregation and sedimentation properties were produced by EPI-DMA with the lowest viscosity and cationicity for direct dye.