Towards a molecular-scale theory for the removal of natural organic matter by coagulation with trivalent metals
File(s)
Accepted version
Author(s)
Liu, Mengjie
Graham, Nigel
Gregory, John
Elimelech, Menachem
Yu, Wenzheng
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Coagulation is one of the most common treatment processes for the removal of contaminants from water, representing ‘the first line of defence’ for drinking water safety. However, the macroscopic and descriptive theories of trivalent metal-based coagulation have limited the optimization of its performance in the removal of natural organic matter species, which are major precursors of hazardous disinfection by-products. In this study, we have extended the coagulation theory to the functional group level, highlighting the fundamental importance of η-H2O and η-OH groups on aluminium precipitates, and finding that the selectivity for natural organic matter during coagulation is determined by their functional groups. Drawing upon the fundamental characteristics of coagulants and organic substances, this study has elucidated their behaviour during the coagulation process and offers valuable theoretical insights to guide future applications of coagulation in practical settings.
Date Issued
2024-03
Date Acceptance
2024-02-07
Citation
nature water, 2024, 2 (3), pp.285-294
ISSN
2731-6084
Publisher
Nature Research
Start Page
285
End Page
294
Journal / Book Title
nature water
Volume
2
Issue
3
Copyright Statement
Copyright © 2024 Springer Nature. This is the author’s accepted manuscript made available under a CC-BY licence in accordance with Imperial’s Research Publications Open Access policy (www.imperial.ac.uk/oa-policy)
License URL
Identifier
http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s44221-024-00212-x
Publication Status
Published
Date Publish Online
2024-03-12