Application of PAFC/CPAM for the removal of ZnO nanoparticles by enhanced coagulation

Abstract

To cope with the increasingly severe challenges of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) in the field of the aquatic environment, this paper uses poly-aluminum ferric chloride (PAFC) and cationic polyacrylamide (CPAM) as coagulants to enhance the removal of ZnO-NPs from water. In two environments (pure-water environment and kaolin environment) that simulate suspended solids, we studied the dosage, pH, precipitation time, and hydraulic power of ZnO-NPs at three different initial concentrations (1, 2, and 30 mg/L). The effects of various conditions on the performance of PAFC, CPAM, and PAFC/CPAM to remove ZnO-NPs were examined. Results showed that the overall removal rate of ZnO-NPs in the kaolin environment was slightly higher than that in the pure-water environment. In contrast the removal rate of ZnO-NPs in the PAFC/CPAM was significantly higher than that of PAFC or CPAM alone. The coagulation removal conditions of ZnO-NPs were optimized using a response-surface model. Under the best conditions, the removal rate of ZnO-NPs with an initial mass concentration of 30 mg/L in the PAFC/CPAM combination in pure-water and kaolin environments was 98.54% and 99.17%, respectively. Finally, by studying the changes in floc size during coagulation, enhanced coagulation was an efficient method of removing ZnO-NPs from water.

Selective removal of ZnO nanoparticles from water using 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) and monitoring by meso-tetra(carboxyphenyl)porphyrin (TCPP)

“…While a single coagulant such as alum may not serve the best for MONPs removal, Sun et al proposed the combination of enteromorpha polysaccharide and polyaluminum chloride can result in a 95% removal of ZnO nanoparticles along with Zn 2+ 8 . You et al also stated the combination of polyaluminum ferric chloride and cationic polyacrylamide is capable of removing both TiO 2 and ZnO nanoparticles 9,10 . Some organic ligands such as humic acid is proven to facilitate the coagulation of ZnO nanoparticles when using ferric chloride as a coagulant 11 .…”

Selective Detection and Removal of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles in Contaminated Water

“…131 You et al also stated the combination of polyaluminum ferric chloride (PAFC) and cationic polyacrylamide (CPAM) is capable of a floc size enhanced removal for both TiO2 and ZnO nanoparticles. 132,133 The PAFC/CPAM combination has a slightly higher removal efficiency in kaolin environment than in pure water for both TiO2 and ZnO nanoparticles.…”