Ultrasound-assisted coagulation for Microcystis aeruginosa removal using Fe(3)O(4)-loaded carbon nanotubes

Harmful cyanobacterial blooms are increasing environmental issues and require novel removal technology since the required doses of algaecides may cause further environmental pollution or treatment facility damage. Herein, we firstly introduce the combination of ultrasound and Fe(3)O(4)/CNTs as an alternative strategy to enhance coagulation for the removal of Microcystis aeruginosa cells in water. It remarkably enhanced cyanobacterial cell removal and microcystins control, compared with sonication alone (40 kHz ultrasonic bath, 4.2 mJ mL(−1)). 94.4% cyanobacterial cells were removed using 20 second sonication with 20 mg L(−1) Fe(3)O(4)/CNTs, Al(2)(SO(4))(3) coagulation (20 μM). Both sonication time and catalyst dose significantly influenced the cyanobacterial removal. Ultrasound with Fe(3)O(4)/CNTs only induced a slight increase of cell permeability, which may contribute to the effective control of DOC and microcystins' release in water. The enhanced settlement of the cyanobacterial cells may result from the moderate oxidation on the cell surface. This study suggested a novel ultrasound-Fe(3)O(4)/CNT process to promote cyanobacteria removal with efficient DOC and microcystin release control, which is a green and safe technology for drinking water treatment.