Distinct mechanisms of particle aggregation induced by alum and PACl: Floc structure and DLVO evaluation

Interactions of silica microspheres were examined by light scattering in presence of alum and polyaluminum chloride (PACl) with various OH/Al ratios. The coagulation behaviors were investigated using different coagulant dosages at constant pH (6.5) and salt concentration (0.01 mol/L). Based on the measurement of size distribution and zeta potential, charge neutralization was proposed to be the primary coagulation step for all the coagulants while other distinct coagulation steps were also involved depending on in situ formed or preformed hydrolyzing products. Precipitate coverage and sweep flocculation were induced for alum, contrasted to polycation patch and bridge aggregation for PACl. Based on simplified DLVO theory, particle aggregation was explained in terms of interaction forces. It was demonstrated that PACl outperformed alum in particle agglomeration at lower concentration (1–2 μmol/L), owing mainly to the considerable energy barrier reduction and deeper secondary minimum at longer distance induced by high positive polycations. The role of secondary minimum was found to be significant when secondary depth exceeded 12 kT. The interaction energy calculations coincided well with coagulation result for PACl, especially PACl22 with high content Al13. However, other interaction forces prevailed over the electrical repulsion for alum and PACl containing other aluminum species.