Cationic lignin polymers as flocculants for municipal wastewater. (26th August 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Moore, Courtney; Gao, Weijue; Fatehi, Pedram
• Is Part Of: Water and environment journal. Volume 37:Number 1(2023)
• Page Start: 95
• Page End: 102
• Publication Date: 2022-08-26
• Subjects: lignin -- biorefining -- biosolids -- wastewater -- sustainability -- alum; Sewage -- Periodicals; Water-supply -- Periodicals; Environmental management -- Periodicals; Water-supply engineering -- Periodicals; Pollution -- Periodicals; 628.1
• DOI: 10.1111/wej.12820
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1747-6585

Abstract

Abstract: In this research, two lignin‐[2‐(methacryloyloxy)ethyl]trimethylammonium chloride (METAC) polymers were generated and assessed for their efficiency in treating municipally produced wastewater. The removals of chemical oxygen demand (COD) and turbidity were 47.5% and 71.2%, respectively, for the singular flocculation system at the dosage of 40–70 mg/L. For the dual coagulation/flocculation system, the polymer with a higher charge density (AM2) achieved higher COD and turbidity removals than the polymer with a lower charge density (AM1). To achieve the same organic removal from the wastewater, the alum use could be reduced from 150 mg/L in the single alum use to 35 mg/L in the dual system when used along with 65 mg/L of AM2. In both systems, lignin‐METAC polymers exhibited better performance than the flocculant used at a local wastewater treatment plant. Lignin‐METAC polymers could be used as bio‐based flocculants for the replacement of petroleum‐based flocculants and inorganic coagulants.