Clarification of colloidal and suspended material in water using triethanolamine modified maize tassels
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Date
2015
Authors
Kinyua, Esther Mbuci
Mwangi, Isaac W.
Wanjau, Ruth N.
Ngila, J.C.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Springerlink
Abstract
Suspended particles in water are a major concern in
global pollution management. They affect the appreciation of
water due to clarity, photosynthesis, and poor oxygen environment
rendering water unsuitable for aquatic animals. Some
suspended materials contain functional groups capable of
forming complex compounds with metals making them available
for poisoning. Such material promotes the growth of bacteria
and fouling that give rise to unpleasant taste and odor of
the water and thus requires removal. Removal of suspended
solids is normally achieved through sedimentation or filtration.
However, some suspended colloidal particles are very
stable in water and cannot settle while others are able to pass
through the filter due to small size, hence difficult to remove.
This study investigated the use of triethanolamine-modified
maize tassels to form a flocculent for their removal. The modified
maize tassels were characterized using Fourier transform
infrared (FTIR), and it was found that the triethanolamine was
anchored within the cellulose structure of the maize tassels.
Clarification parameters such as settling time, reagent dosage,
and pH were investigated. The best clarification was at a pH of
6.0 with clearance being less than in 30 min. The optimal
flocculent dosage was found to be 3.5 ml of the material,
showing that the material has a potential of enhancing clarity
in polluted water
Description
DOI: 10.1007/s11356-015-5766-y
Keywords
Flocculant, Turbidity, Quartenized maize tassels, Triethanolamine, Clarification, Nephelometry