Effect of shear force and solution pH on flocs breakage and re-growth formed by nano-Al13 polymer

The breakage and re-growth of flocs formed by polyaluminum chloride (PAC) and the Al13O4 (OH)247+ (Al13 for short) polymer were comparatively evaluated for the coagulation of humic acid (HA). A series of jar experiments were conducted to investigate the impacts of shear rate and solution pH on flocs breakage and re-aggregation potential. Results indicated that the responses of flocs to the increasing shear force and solution pH depend on the coagulant used. The ability of flocs to resist breakage decreased with the increasing shear rate. For all levels of shear force investigated in this study, the flocs formed by Al13 polymer were weaker than those of PAC, whereas Al13 polymer displayed a better recoverability than PAC. The similar results were obtained when pH of solution was changed. The flocs generated in acidic conditions were stronger and more recoverable than those generated in alkaline conditions no matter which coagulant was used.