Removal of Algae from Surface Water by Deep Flotation

Abstract

When algae are present in surface water it becomes an important issue in the production of drinking water, causing problems such as the interruption of coagulation and sedimentation processes and blockage of the filter. In this research, an evaluation is carried out on the effectiveness of deep flotation as an alternative method for algae removal from water. Different pressures of air and different depths of diffusers were applied. Results indicated that using deep floatation increases percentage removal of algae from 32 % (without any air) to 65%  (at 6 bar pressure). Also the percentage removal of algae from raw water increases from 18 to 65 % when the applied air pressure increases from 1 bar to 6 bar, also percentage removal of algae increases from 53 to 65 % when the depth of diffuser increased from 5 to 10 m.