Abstract
Algal cultures which tended to flocculate under alkaline conditions were investigated in order to define the flocculating agent. Under the electron microscope, cells appeared to be agglomerated by inorganic "amorphous" precipitates or rod shaped microcrystals. The use of an energy dispersive X-ray analyser showed that the agglomerating substance consisted of calcium and phosphorus and their atomic ratios varied between 1.07 and 1.34. The experiments suggest that in autoflocculation involving chemical coprecipitation with biomass, calcium phosphate constitutes the major binding agent. The Ca:P ratio in the precipitated calcium phosphate is greatly increased by raising alkaline conditions or increasing precipitation period.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 127-129 |
Number of pages | 3 |
Journal | Water Research |
Volume | 19 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 1985 |
Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Environmental Engineering
- Civil and Structural Engineering
- Ecological Modeling
- Water Science and Technology
- Waste Management and Disposal
- Pollution