The performance of polyelectrolytes with magnetite particle in the treatment of water

Abstract

A series of experiments were undertaken with four commercial polyelectrolytes to optimise coagulation treatment of water for turbidity removal. The optimum pH range and concentration of reagents in clarification as well as the conditions affecting the interaction between the reagents and colloidal particles present in water were investigated. In the experiments Zetapotential and turbidity were measured accompanied by microscopic observations. The results indicated that polyelectrolytes in combination with conventional Al-2(SO4)(3) (alum) significantly affect the quality of treated water. Optimum results were obtained with alum concentration of 12.5 mg/l and polyelectrolytes concentrations of 1-3 mg/l. Rapid coagulation of turbid particles and removal pf heavy metal ions was obtained by the use of finely divided magnetite particles. These experiments were carried out using water of River Kuakhai (234 NTU) near Bhubaneswar, India.