The impact of differing cell and algogenic organic matter (AOM) characteristics on the coagulation and flotation of algae

The aim of this study was to compare the coagulation and flotation of different algae species with varying morphology and algogenic organic matter (AOM) composition in order to link physical and chemical algae characteristics to treatment. Microcystis aeruginosa (cyanobacteria), Chlorella vulgaris (green algae), Asterionella formosa and Melosira sp. (diatoms) were treated by coagulation with aluminium sulphate and flotation. The AOM was extracted and treated separately. Analyses included cell counts, dissolved organic carbon, aluminium residual and zeta potential. Removal efficiencies in the range 94–99% were obtained for each species. Cells, AOM and aluminium were concurrently removed at a coagulant dose that was related on a log–log basis to both cell surface area and total charge density, although the relationship was much stronger for the latter. This was attributed to a significant proportion of the coagulant demand being generated by the AOM. The implications of such findings are that relatively simple charge measurements can be used to understand and control coagulation and flotation of algae.