Algal Flocculation in a Magnesium Exchanger Fluidized Bed

Abstract

The effectiveness of the microalgae flocculation by a fluidized bed of magnesium exchanger resin particles was investigated. The results indicated that the total suspended solids abatement could reach 90% at pH 11.5 while the superficial upflow velocity was 30 m/h which corresponds to a residence time through the flocculator less than 1 minute. The abatement remains steady even after exhaustion of the ion exchange capacity while the bed is continuously expanding which makes the resin regeneration easy and lowers the magnesium requirement. The extracted sludge is easily thickened. The destabilized suspension is itself easily concentrated by sedimentation followed by single draining.