Improving Microcystis aeruginosa removal efficiency through enhanced sonosensitivity of nitrogen-doped nanodiamonds

• DOI: 10.1016/j.ultsonch.2024.106993
• Publication Date: 2024-07-20T16:36:56Z
• Authors: Xiaoge Wu; Su Yang; Wenshu Li; JuanJuan Wang; Matevž Dular; Xiao Tan
• Keywords: Nanodiamond; Microcystis aeruginosa

Traditional methods for algae removal in drinking water treatment, such as coagulation and sedimentation, face challenges due to the negative charge on cells' surfaces, resulting ineffective removal. Ultrasonic cavitation has shown promise enhancing performance by disrupting extracellular polymer structures improving cyanobacteria through various mechanisms like shear force free radical reactions. However, short lifespan limited mass transfer distance of radicals conventional ultrasonic treatment lead high energy consumption, limiting widespread application. To overcome these limitations enhance efficiency, advanced carbon-based materials were developed tested. Nitrogen-doped functional groups nanodiamond surfaces found boost sonosensitivity increasing production reactive oxygen species at sonosensitizer-water interface. Utilizing low-power ultrasound (0.12 W/mL) combination with N-ND 5 min, rates Microcystis aeruginosa cells exceeded 90 %, enhanced algal organic matters microcystins water. Visualization confocal microscopy highlighted role positively charged nitrogen-doped nanodiamonds aggregating cells. The synergy between cell capturing catalysis indicates that efficient from sonosensitizer's surface microalgae's is critical promoting floc formation. This study underscores potential employing a low-intensity system effectively processes.