Abstract:
Microplastics (MPs) have attracted worldwide attention. MPs are gradually detected in freshwater and tap water. In terms of human health risks, MPs as contaminants represent a concern because they can be ingested and accumulated in the body. In this study, the removal efficiency of 0.3 – 4 mm MPs was investigated during traditional coagulation and flocculation processes using aluminum sulphate (alum) as a coagulant and anionic polyacrylamide (APAM) as a coagulant aid. Results showed that the optimum alum dose of 15 mg/L showed maximum turbidity removal efficiency (98.07±0.02%) in non-added MPs raw water. Whilst, 40 mg/L of alum was the optimum dose for highest turbidity removal efficiency (97.77±0.02%) in added MPs raw water and also greatest MPs removal efficiency (80.00±0.00%). After obtained the optimizing alum dose, APAM were added to enhance the removal efficiency of turbidity and MPs. 0.06 mg/L of APAM was the optimum dose for highest turbidity removal efficiency (97.88 ± 0.02%) and 0.04 mg/L was the optimum dose for maximum MPs removal efficiency (85± 0.00%). Based on this investigation, the MPs removal behaviors during coagulation and flocculation processes will have potential application in tap water treatment.
