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Modified natural polymer flocculants has been the focus of research in environmental engineering field. Natural large molecular compound, chitosan (CTS) with many functional amino and hydroxyl groups can be easily modified to enhance its original functions. This work presents an environmentally friendly chitosan-based cationic polyacrylamide flocculants (CTS-g-PAMA) with enhanced function of sterilization and flocculation. CTS-g-PAMA was synthesized through Ultraviolet (UV)-initiated copolymerization. Structure characterization of FTIR, 1 H NMR, XRD and UV spectrum confirmed the successful grafting of AM and MAPTAC. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis results showed that CTS-g-PAMA exhibited a porous structure with a prodigious surface area. CTS-g-PAMA was then applied to treat a series of simulated waste water containing kaolin or Escherichia coli . Flocculation tests indicated that CTS-g-PAMA not only showed excellent flocculation effect but also showed high sterilization capability. A series of ONP concentration measurement tests through UV spectra analysis and 3D EEM analysis of suspension before and after flocculation were conducted to study sterilization mechanism, and results revealed the sterilization effect of CTS-g-PAMA was essentially bactericidal, not just antibacterial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flocculation as the core technology of sludge pretreatment can improve the dewatering performance of sludge that enables to reduce the cost of sludge transportation and the subsequent disposal costs. Therefore, synthesis of high-efficiency and economic flocculant is remarkably desired in this field. This study presents a cationic polyacrylamide (CPAM) flocculant with microblock structure synthesized through ultraviolet (UV)-initiated template copolymerization by using acrylamide (AM) and methacrylamido propyl trimethyl ammonium chloride (MAPTAC) as monomers, sodium polyacrylate (PAAS) as template, and 2,2'-azobis [2-(2-imidazolin-2-yl) propane] dihydrochloride (VA-044) as photoinitiator. The microblock structure of the CPAM was observed through nuclear magnetic resonance ( 1 H NMR and 13 C NMR) spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses. Furthermore, thermogravimetric/differential scanning calorimetry (TG/DSC) analysis was used to evaluate its thermal decomposition property. The copolymerization mechanism was investigated through the determination of the binding constant M K and study on polymerization kinetics. Results showed that the copolymerization was conducted in accordance with the I (ZIP) template polymerization mechanism, and revealed the coexistence of bimolecular termination free-radical reaction and mono-radical termination in the polymerization process. Results of sludge dewatering tests indicated the superior flocculation performance of microblock flocculant than random distributed CPAM. The residual turbidity, filter cake moisture content, and specific resistance to filtration reached 9.37 NTU, 68.01%, and 6.24 (10 12 m kg −1 ), respectively, at 40 mg L −1 of template poly(AM-MAPTAC) and pH 6.0. Furthermore, all flocculant except commercial CPAM showed a wide scope of pH application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Amphiphilic CPAM was fabricated through ultrasonic initiated template polymerization. • Comparative characterizations confirmed the microblock structure and amphiphilicity. • Template copolymerization met bimolecular termination of free radical polymerization. • The effect of NaPAA followed template polymerization I (ZIP) mechanism. • Cationic microblocks produced stronger flocs to form more permeable filter cakes. Flocculation is an important pretreatment technique for sludge dewatering, the performance of employed flocculants is the key factor determine the flocculation efficiency. Herein, an amphiphilic cationic polyacrylamide (CPAM) with microblock structure was synthesized through template copolymerization initiated by ultrasonic. The chemical components and cationic microblock structure of copolymers were confirmed through comparative characterization by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1H NMR) spectrum. The copolymerization mechanism was investigated through kinetics study and association coefficient (K M) determination. The results indicated that the reaction followed free radical copolymerization and terminated mainly through bimolecular termination. The pre-adsorption between acryloyloxyethyltrimethylammonium chloride (DAC) and sodium polyacrylate (NaPAA) before reaction confirmed the template polymerization met the type I (ZIP) mechanism. Cationic microblocks and hydrophobic association together contributed to the optimal dewaterability (FCMC=67.2 %, SRF=3.84×1012 m·kg−1) using TP(AM-DAC-LA). Hydrophobic association enhanced bridging and sweeping effect to promote the floc size growth. Cationic microblocks produced compacter flocs with stronger mechanical strength through enhanced charge neutralization and patching effects, which acted as skeletons to make filter cakes less compressible and more permeable in mechanical dewatering. This work developed a highly effective flocculant for sludge dewatering, the synthesis and working mechanism of which were also given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the ultrasonic (US)-initiated template copolymerization was employed to synthesize a novel cationic polyacrylamide (CPAM) characterized by a microblock structure using dimethyldiallylammonium chloride (DMDAAC) and acrylamide (AM) as monomers, and sodium polyacrylate (NaPAA) as template. The polymers structure property was analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), 1 H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy ( 1 H NMR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The results showed that a novel cationic microblock structure was successfully synthesized in the template copolymer of DMDAAC and AM (TPADM). Meanwhile, the analysis result of association constant (M K ) provided powerful support for a I Zip-up (ZIP) template polymerization mechanism and the formation of the microblock structure. The factors affecting the polymerization were investigated, including ultrasonic power, ultrasonic time, monomer concentration, initiator concentration, m AM :m DMDAAC and n NaPAA :n DMDAAC . The sludge dewatering performance of the polymers was evaluated in terms of specific resistance to filtration (SRF), filter cake moisture content (FCMC), floc size (d 50 ) and fractal dimension (D f ). Flocculation mechanism was also analyzed and discussed. The sludge dewatering results revealed that the polymer with the novel microblock structure showed a more excellent flocculation performance than those with randomly distributed cationic units. A desirable flocculation performance with a SRF of 4.5 × 10 12  m kg −1 , FCMC of 73.1%, d 50 of 439.156 µm and D f of 1.490 were obtained at pH of 7.0, dosage of 40 mg L −1 and the molecular weight of 5.0 × 10 6  Da. The cationic microblock extremely enhanced the polymer charge neutralization and bridging ability, thus obtaining the excellent sludge dewatering performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a template polymer with anionic microblock structure was successfully synthesized through ultrasonic initiated template copolymerization (USTP) by using sodium allylsulfonate (SAS) and acrylamide (AM) as monomers, poly diallyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (polyDADMAC) as template, and 2,2′-azobis [2-(2-imidazolin-2-yl) propane] dihydrochloride (VA-044) as initiator. The anionic polyacrylamide (APAM-T) flocculant was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H NMR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Furthermore, the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was conducted to measure the elemental composition. The results of XPS and 1H NMR spectroscopy analysis indicated the existence of anionic microblock structure in APAM-T. Besides, the copolymerization was revealed to follow the self-assembly mechanism by analyzing the association constant (K M). The flocculation performance was evaluated by turbidity and zeta potential in the flocculation tests. The results indicated that the APAM-T with microblock structure enhanced the charge neutralization and bridging adsorption capacity, thus improving the flocculation performance. In the floc particle size distribution and fragmentation and reflocculation experiments, the floc corresponding to APAM-T had the strongest regeneration ability after fragmentation, which further confirmed the criticality of the microblock structure in enhancing the flocculation performance. Compared with existing studies, this study not only demonstrated a novel synthesis method, but also found that the microblock structure could significantly improve its treatment efficiency and effectiveness, providing a new theoretical basis and practical application path for wastewater treatment technology. [Display omitted] • Anionic polyacrylamide with regular microblock structure was synthesized. • The reactivity and copolymerization degree were enhanced by microblock structure. • The turbidity removal of APAM-T for hematite wastewater could reach 98.22 %. • The charge neutralization and bridging adsorption capacity of APAM-T were enhanced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, red mud was used as the main raw material to prepare polyaluminum-ferric chloride (PCFA) with high added value. The effects of the liquid–solid ratio, reaction temperature, reaction time, hydrochloric acid concentration during acid leaching, polymerization time, OH−/Fe molar ratio, and polymerization temperature on the preparation of PCFA were investigated and determined by conducting single-factor optimization experiments under optimal preparation conditions. Characterization results show that the surface of the PCFA flocculant has compact and dense porosity and a dense sheet-like structure, and PCFA contains hydroxyl-bridged iron–aluminum polymers. When the settling time was 30 min, the stirring intensity was 200 rpm; the initial concentration of Nano-titanium dioxide（TiO 2 -NPs） was 30 mg·L−1; the pH value was 7.0; the dosage of PCFA was 25 mg·L−1, and the optimum removal rates of TiO 2 -NPs and turbidity were 84.8% and 81.3%, respectively. The flocs produced by PCFA treatment of TiO 2 -NPs were large and dense. Under optimal flocculation conditions, the average particle size of PCFA-TiO 2 -NP flocs was 2.98 µm, and the fractal dimension was 1.66. Based on the abovementioned flocculation experimental data, a Grey correlation method was established to evaluate the degree of correlation among factors such as ionic strength, settling time, stirring strength, kaolin concentration, initial concentration, reaction pH value, and dosage and the performance of PCFA coagulation to remove TiO 2 -NP-containing wastewater. In the reaction system of the PCFA coagulation of TiO 2 -NPs, the dosage is the most important factor. [Display omitted] • Red mud was used as the main raw material to prepare composite coagulant. • The flocculation and removal performance of nanoparticle were comprehensively explored. • The optimum removal rates of TiO 2 -NPs and turbidity were 84.8% and 81.3%, respectively. • A Grey correlation method was established to evaluate the degree of correlation among factors. • This study provides guidance for the utilization of red mud and the removal of nanoparticle s. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The residual antibiotics in the environment will pose a threat to the environment and human health. Thus, it is imperative to develop a smart water treatment material to remove and detect antibiotics from aqueous environment simultaneously. In this study, magnetic Cu–Ni–S@Ni foam was synthesized by liquid phase vulcanization method to in-situ load Cu–Ni–S nanostructures on the surface of Ni foam. The novelty of this material is the combination of adsorption-flocculation technology and semi-quantitative detection technology. Batch experiments showed that Cu–Ni–S@Ni foam has a high removal rate of norfloxacin (NOR) (96.92%), wide pH adaptability (pH = 4.0–10.0) and strong ion interference resistance (0.1–100 mmol/L). According to the Langmuir isotherm, the removal capacity can reach 417.4 mg/g at 25 °C, which is much higher than that of other water treatment agents reported in most studies. Characterization analysis indicated that the main removal mechanisms are surface complexation, cation bridging, electrostatic attraction, precipitation and flocculation. Transmission FTIR detection experiments showed that NOR on Cu–Ni–S@Ni foam has easily recognizable FTIR fingerprints; the intensity of characteristic peaks roughly reflects the concentration information of NOR to some extent. This semi-quantitative detection method, requiring simple operation without the fabrication of KBr tablet, has a wide linear range (5–100 mg/L) and a low limit of detection (4.6 mg/L). Therefore, Cu–Ni–S@Ni foam can be used for simultaneous removal and semi-quantitative detection of NOR in wastewater. It has potential application value in wastewater treatment and water quality monitoring. [Display omitted] • The one pot synthesized Cu–Ni–S@Ni foam could remove and detect NOR simultaneously. • Both adsorption and flocculation, induced by ligand-promoted dissolution, were involved in the removal process. • The Cu–Ni–S@Ni foam performed high removal capacity (417.4 mg/g at 25 °C) for NOR. • A semi-quantitative detection method based on transmission FTIR was developed without the fabrication of KBr tablet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel chelating flocculant with branched architectures, polyacrylamide grafted maleoyl chitosan-mercaptoacetic acid (PAM-g-M(CS-MA)), was successfully fabricated using maleic anhydride as the "bridge" between chitosan and polyacrylamide. The functional groups and structural characteristic information of copolymers were obtained via characterization analysis. Flocculation performance was systematically investigated via purifying a series of simulated wastewater containing Cu or Cd. The properties of the flocs were studied to give in-depth evidences for the role of chelation groups and branched architectures in flocculation. Results indicated that PAM-g-M(CS-MA) showed excellent flocculation capacity for heavy metals in high concentrations and was superior to other chelating flocculants. The maximum flocculation efficiency of Cu (93.90%) and Cd (92.47%) was achieved by PAM-g-M(CS-MA) at pH 7, dosage of 100 mg L−1 and stirring speed of 90 rpm. The flocculation mechanisms of PAM-g-M(CS-MA) were deeply explored through the analyses of floc properties. The strong synergistic chelation of mercapto, carboxyl, amide and hydroxyl groups predominated for the capturing of heavy metals; and the branched architectures facilitated the formation of large and stable flocs via adsorption and bridging-furl effect. This study provided a solid foundation for the fabrication of flocculants for heavy metal wastewater treatment. [Display omitted] • A flocculant with branch architectures (PAM-g-M(CS-MA)) was synthesized. • PAM-g-M(CS-MA) showed low-dosage and efficient in heavy metals removal. • The maximum removal rates of Cu (93.90%) and Cd (92.47%) can be achieved by PAM-g-M(CS-MA). • Relationship between the branch architectures and flocculation performance was built. • Flocculation mechanism is composed by synergistic chelation, adsorption and bridging-furl effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fine molecular structure of a flocculant fundamentally determines the internal flocculation mechanism and the final application property. In this work, three series of chitosan-based polymers (CTS-g-PAMD) with divergent charge densities and graft chain distribution were synthesized by graft copolymerization using acrylamide (AM) and acryloyloxyethyltrimethylammonium chloride (DAC). Meanwhile, flocculant with linear chain structure (CTS-CTA) was prepared by etherification using 3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyltrimethylammonium chloride (CTA). The characterization results confirmed that various monomers had been successfully introduced into chitosan. The reaction basically happened on —NH 2 at C 2 of chitosan, and the ring structure of chitosan was destroyed by free radical reaction. The obtained flocculants were used to flocculate bentonite and humic acid solution. Besides dose, the effects of chain structure, charge density and chain distribution on flocculation performance were systematically studied. Based on the fractal theory and flocculation kinetics, the effects of structural factors on floc characteristics were also investigated. The results showed that, flocculant with abundant graft chains exerts better flocculation performance and floc characteristic due to enhanced adsorption electrical neutralization and adsorption bridging effect. The effects of charge density and chain distribution on the flocculation performance were disparate in the range of insufficient and excessive doses. Furthermore, on the basis of the quadratic polynomial model, quantitative structure-effect relationships were established, which has guiding significance for the development and utilization of flocculants. Image 1 • Four chitosan-based flocculants with distinct molecular structures were prepared. • The cyclic structure of chitosan was destroyed by graft copolymerization. • Flocculants with "comb" branches exhibited better flocculation performance. • Chain distribution contributed differently under overdose and underdose. • The quantitative structure-activity relationships were established through model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chitosan-based flocculants are efficient and biodegradable, possessing the potential application in water treatment. A chitosan-based flocculant, CTS-g-PAM, was prepared via grafting copolymerization. Two main structures of CTS-g-PAM were detected by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and they related to the different performances of CTS-g-PAM in the treatment of model azo dyeing wastewater in terms of removal efficiency, floc size and zeta potential. CTS-g-PAM with the optimal ratio of C N to –NH– owned the best performance. C N reinforced the interaction between CTS-g-PAM and azo dyes and charge neutralization while the flocs formed in the case were large and compacted. However, excessive C N accelerated itself hydrolysis and leaded to the decomposition of CTS-g-PAM, deteriorating the performance of the flocculant. Image 1 • Two different structures of CTS-g-PAM were discovered via XPS. • The ratio of two structures was different in various synthesis conditions. • The moderate C N in CTS-g-PAM contributed to its better performance in the treatment. • C N reinforced the interaction between CTS-g-PAM and azo dyes. • Excessive C N accelerated itself hydrolysis and decomposition of CTS-g-PAM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Dual-functional flocculant with pH resistant is synthesized and used to remove heavy metals. • Flocculation conditions for reaching high removal efficiencies are optimized. • Optimal operation modulus was identified using 8 Key performance indicators by 3E triangle model. • Multi-objective programming optimization model was also established to evaluate Operation strategies. • Flocculation for heavy metal removal is superior in terms of engineering performance. Carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCTS) with active hydroxyl and amino groups is easily modified for chelating and capturing heavy metal, thus showing great potential for application in heavy metal-contaminated wastewater treatment. In this work, a dual-functional MACA copolymer [CMCTS-graft-P(AM-TGA)] with pH resistant was successfully designed and prepared by grafting acrylamide and thioglycolic acid onto CMCTS through UV-initiated graft polymerization. The spectroscopy characterization of functional groups and apparent morphology confirm the successful preparation of MACA. Flocculation conditions for reaching high removal efficiencies and investigating chelation capacity are optimized. A multiobjective evaluation model and a triangular environmental impact, economic benefit, and energy consumption (3E) evaluation model were established and employed to assess the 3E performance of MACA in heavy metal-contaminated wastewater flocculation. Optimal operation modulus is identified using 8 Key performance indicators by 3E triangle model. This work enriches knowledge about flocculation and provides guidance for flocculation parameter control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]