Coagulation performance and membrane fouling of polyferric chloride/epichlorohydrin–dimethylamine in coagulation/ultrafiltration combined process

•Coagulation performance of PFC/DAM–ECH was better than PFC at proper dosage.•Adding sequence of coagulants was critical for HA removal and floc properties.•Better removal efficiencies of HA by PFC/DAM–ECH achieved at acidic condition.•DAM–ECH improved the floc properties by enhancing charge neutralization mechanism.•Effects of DAM–ECH on floc properties reduced membrane fouling.

Polyferric chloride (PFC) and epichlorohydrin–dimethylamine (DAM–ECH) with different PFC (as Fe3 +)/DAM–ECH mass ratios (MR) and dose methods were used in the treatment of humic acid–kaolin (HA–kaolin) simulated water under different pH conditions. Coagulation performance, floc characteristics and membrane fouling of PFC/DAM–ECH in coagulation–ultrafiltration (C–UF) process were investigated in this study. Results showed that the optimum coagulation performance was achieved when PFC dose was 15 mg/L with PFC/DAM–ECH MR of 2:1 under pH 6.0. Opposite adding sequence (DAM–ECH/PFC) would reduce UV254 (ultraviolet adsorption at 254 nm) and DOC (dissolved organic carbon) removal efficiency. Addition of DAM–ECH on the basis of PFC produced larger and stronger flocs with better regrowth ability. Proper dosage of DAM–ECH under certain coagulation condition could achieve the best coagulation performance and keep the UF membrane operating under a preferable status. Results of this study would be beneficial for application of composite coagulant PFC–DAM–ECH and DAM–ECH as coagulant aid in water treatment processes.