Copper oxide nanoparticles removal by coagulation and optimization by matter–element analysis model. Issue 1 (February 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sun, Yongjun; Sun, Haibing; Li, Deng; Sun, Wenquan; Zheng, Huaili
• Is Part Of: Journal of environmental chemical engineering. Volume 10:Issue 1(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-02
• Subjects: Coagulation -- Composite coagulant -- Copper oxide nanoparticles -- Matter–element analysis model; Chemical engineering -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Environmental engineering -- Periodicals; Chemical engineering -- Environmental aspects; Environmental engineering; Periodicals; 660.0286
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jece.2021.107096
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2213-2929

Abstract

Abstract: Nanoparticles have been inspected in water environment and sewage treatment plants, but how to achieve efficient removal of them through existing treatment processes is a potential issue. In this study, the organic–inorganic composite coagulant (PAC-CA) was applied to remove copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO-NPs) and study their coagulation behavior and the characteristics of flocs produced by coagulation. Under the optimal coagulation conditions with a dosage of 25 mg/L, pH of 7, stirring intensity of 200 s −1, and settling time of 15 min, the removal rates of CuO-NPs and turbidity were 89.83% and 93.51%, respectively. Zeta potential studies show that the main action mechanism of PAC-CA under low dosage or alkaline conditions is charge neutralization, and under high dosage or acidic conditions, the main action mechanism is adsorption bridging. A matter–element analysis model was established based on the evaluation index of stirring intensity, kaolin concentration, humic acid concentration, initial CuO-NPs concentration, pH, PAC-CA dosage, turbidity removal rate, and CuO-NPs removal rate. Kaolin can promote the removal of CuO-NPs and turbidity by PAC-CA. The main action mechanisms of PAC-CA are charge neutralization and adsorption bridging. PAC-CA has good coagulation performance for CuO-NPs wastewater, and provides a theoretical basis for the practical engineering application of coagulation for removing nanoparticles in wastewater. Graphical Abstract: ga1 Highlights: The composite coagulant PAC-CA was applied to remove copper oxide nanoparticles. The maximum removal rates of CuO-NPs and turbidity were 89.83% and 93.51%, respectively. Kaolin can promote the removal of CuO-NPs and turbidity by PAC-CA. The main action mechanisms of PAC-CA are charge neutralization and adsorption bridging. A matter–element analysis model was established for the evaluation of CuO-NP removal rate.