Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Algae Removal by Flotation

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Flotation Technology

Part of the book series: Handbook of Environmental Engineering ((HEE,volume 12))

Abstract

The importance of algae is discussed. Algae are a significant source of oxygen on Earth due to its capability of photosynthesis. Further they are an efficient biological system for converting solar energy into plant life, a source of energy for higher life. However, at high concentrations, called blooms, they can contribute tastes and odors, and even toxins to the surrounding water. They are best removed before they reach a water treatment plant (WTP) where they may rupture and release their taste and odor oils. Algae at both low and high concentrations may be removed by dissolved air flotation (DAF). Even very high concentrations from wastewater treatment lagoons and algae culture ponds are efficiently removed. The recovered algae have many economical uses. When alum or iron salts are added to improve coagulation for algae removal, phosphorus is also removed, thereby lessening productivity in a lake or stream. The development of algae culture ponds heated by waste heat from a nearby power plant, combined with CO2 and NO X from fossil fueled power plants’ atmospheric discharges, could reduce atmospheric pollution and even global warming. The algae produced and removed can serve as an energy source. A case study is described for the application of a DAF system for upgrading a small drinking WTP. Examples are shown for the separation of algae from wastewater treatment plant lagoons. The use of DAF for separation of algae is an important factor in our lives.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 129.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 169.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 169.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  1. Methuen & Co (2006) Seaweeds and their uses, Methuen & Co. Ltd., London

    Google Scholar 

  2. Mumford TF, Miura A (1988) Porphyra as food: cultivation and economics. In: Lembi CA, Waaland JR (eds) Algae and human affairs. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, pp 87–117

    Google Scholar 

  3. Guiry MD, Blunden G (1991) Seaweed resources in Europe: uses and potential. Wiley, New York

    Google Scholar 

  4. Spirulina Home Page (2009) Growing premium spirulina, Spirulina Web Site: http://www.spirulina.com

  5. Watersmart Environmental (2010) Watersmart environmental joins EPA’s CHP [combined heat and power] network, Earthtoys Alternative Energy Library. http://www.watersmart.com

  6. DOE (Undated) Biodiesel production from algae. Department of Energy, Aquatic Species Program, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, CO

    Google Scholar 

  7. Wired News (2006) Algae: power plant of the future? Wired News

    Google Scholar 

  8. Pamphlet (2006) Energy from algae, access to energy. Cave Junction, OR

    Google Scholar 

  9. UNFAO (2006) Livestock’s Long Shadow. United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization, Rome, Italy, Nov

    Google Scholar 

  10. Hillen LW, Pollard G, Wake LV, White N (1981) Hydrocracking of the oils of Botryococcus braunii to transport fuels. Biotechnol Bioeng 24:193–205

    Article  Google Scholar 

  11. Aphanizomenon Flos-Aquae (Undated) Blue green algae. Energy for Life Wellness Center, Kelowna, BC

    Google Scholar 

  12. US Fisheries Department (2006) Nutritional value of micro-algae. United States Fisheries Department, Washington DC

    Google Scholar 

  13. PSU (Undated) Sensory properties of strawberry- and vanilla-flavored ice cream supplemented with an algae oil emulsion. Department of Food Science, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA

    Google Scholar 

  14. University of Bathe (Undated) Transgenic plants produce Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. School of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Bathe, Bath

    Google Scholar 

  15. Barrow T (2006) Toxic algae-precautions & facts. UNL E-News, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE, 1 May 2006

    Google Scholar 

  16. Knappe DRU (2004) Algae detection and removal strategies for drinking water treatment. AWWA Research Foundation, Number 90971, Denver, CO

    Google Scholar 

  17. Aulenbach DB (2000) Silicon limitation linked to estuarine pollution problems, Presented at 32nd mid-Atlantic industrial and hazardous waste conference, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York, June 2000

    Google Scholar 

  18. Rabalais NN, Turner RE, Dortch Q, Wiseman WJ Jr, Sen Gupta BK (1996) Nutrient changes in the Mississippi River and system responses on the adjacent continental shelf estuaries. Estuaries 19:386–407

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  19. AWWA (2006) Coppers risk assessments; notice of availability and risk reduction options. Response to EPA-HQ-OPP-2005-0558, American Water Works Association, Denver, CO, March 27 2006

    Google Scholar 

  20. Lake George Association (2006) Ongoing debate between NYS, DEC and the Lake George Assn. about use of Sonar for milfoil control in a drinking water supply. Lake George, New York

    Google Scholar 

  21. Yadidia R, Abeliovich A, Belfort G (1977) Algae removal by high gradient magnetic filtration, Environ Sci Tech 11(9):913–916

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  22. SonicSolutions© LLC (2006) Product pamphlet. West Hatfield, MA

    Google Scholar 

  23. Wang LK, Fahey EM, Wu Z (2005) Dissolved air flotation. In: Wang LK, Hung TY, Shammas NK (eds) Physicochemical treatment processes. Humana Press, Totowa, NJ, pp 431–500

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  24. Aulenbach DB, Shammas NK, Wang LK, Derrick R, Kittler I (2010) Lake restoration using dissolved air flotation. In: Wang LK, Shammas NK, Selke WA, Aulenbach DB (eds) Flotation technology. Humana Press, Totowa, NJ

    Google Scholar 

  25. Krofta M, Wang LK, Spencer RL, Weber J (1983) Algae separation by dissolved air flotation. In: Proceedings of water quality and public health conference, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA, p 19

    Google Scholar 

  26. Yan YD (2004) Simultaneous algae and phosphorus removal from wastewaters using induced air flotation. Centre for Multiphase Processes, Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308. www.newcastle.edu.au

  27. Levin GV, Clendenning JR, Gibor A, Bogar FD (1961) Harvesting of algae by froth flotation. Resources Research, Inc., Washington, DC

    Google Scholar 

  28. Gotaas HB, Golueke CG (1957) Recovery of algae from waste stabilization ponds. Algal Research Project, Sanitary Engineering Research Laboratory, 7, I.E.R. Series 44, University of California

    Google Scholar 

  29. News Item (2006) Lake Brazos dam. City of Waco, TX

    Google Scholar 

  30. Infilco Degremont (2005) AquaDAF© high rate dissolved air flotation system. South San Joaquin Irrigation District, Manteca, CA

    Google Scholar 

  31. Montiel A, Welte B, Dolejs P, Edzwald JK, O’Melia CR, Oskam G (1998) Successful removal of algae. Pergamon Press, Oxford

    Google Scholar 

  32. News Item (2006) Upgraded Tianjin facility treats water pollution cost-effectively. Earth Tech 21:15–18

    Google Scholar 

  33. Yang Z (1991) Flotation of algae in the presence of zinc. Engineering Foundation Conference, Santa Barbara, CA

    Google Scholar 

  34. Phoochinda W, White DA (2003) Removal of algae using froth flotation. Environ Technol 24(1):87–96

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  35. Phoochinda W, White DA, Briscoe BJ (2004) An algal removal using a combination of flocculation and flotation processes. Environ Technol 25(12):1385–1395

    Article  Google Scholar 

  36. Phoochinda W, White DA, Briscoe BJ (2005) Comparison between the removal of live and dead algae using froth flotation. J Water Supply: Res Technol 54(2):115–125

    Google Scholar 

  37. Liu JC, Chen YM, Yi-Hsu Ju (1999) Separation of algal cells from water by column flotation. Separation Sci Technol 34(11):2259–2272

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  38. Mulaku WO (2004) Dissolved air flotation process for algae removal. J Civil Eng Res Pract 1(2):27–38

    Google Scholar 

  39. Kwak DH, Kim SJ, Jung HJ, Won CH, Kwon SB, Ahn HW, Lee JW (2006) Removal of clay and blue-green algae particles through zeta potential and particle size distribution in the dissolved air flotation process. Water Supply 6(1):95–103

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  40. Henderson RK, Parsons SA, Jefferson B (2008) Surfactants as bubble surface modifiers in the flotation of algae: dissolved air flotation that utilizes a chemically modified bubble surface. Environ Sci Technol 42(13):4883–4888

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  41. Taki K, Seki T, Mononobe S, Kato K (2008) Zeta potential measurement on the surface of blue-green algae particles for micro-bubble process. Water Sci Technol WST 57(1):19–25

    Google Scholar 

  42. Marvin R (2005) DAF removes algae, eases manganese issues, City Project No. 12–99-WFP, The City of Cumberland, Evitt’s Creek water treatment plant dissolved air flotation expansion. Opflow 31(2):10–12

    Google Scholar 

  43. US EPA (1973) Upgrading lagoons, EPA-625/4–73–00lb US Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC

    Google Scholar 

  44. Oswald WJ, Meron A, Zabat MD (1970) Designing waste ponds to meet water quality criteria, In: 2nd international symposium for waste treatment lagoons, Missouri Basin Engineering Health Council and Federal Water Quality Administration, Kansas City, MO, pp 186–194, 23–25 June 1970

    Google Scholar 

  45. Bain RC, McCarty PL, Robertson JA, Pierce WH (1970) Effects of an oxidation pond effluent on receiving water in San Joaquin River Estuary, In: 2nd international symposium for waste treatment lagoons, Missouri Basin Engineering Health Council and Federal Water Quality Administration, Kansas City, MO, pp 168–180, 23–25 June 1970

    Google Scholar 

  46. Parker DS, Tyler JB, Dosh TJ (1973) Algae removal improves pond effluent. Water Wastes Eng 10(1):26–29

    Google Scholar 

  47. Brown and Caldwell (1972) Report on pilot flotation studies at the main water quality control plant, prepared for the city of Stockton, CA, February

    Google Scholar 

  48. Middlebrooks EJ (1974) Techniques for algae removal from wastewater stabilization ponds. J Water Pollut Cont Fed 46(12):2676–2695

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  49. Ramani AR (1974) Factors influencing separation of algal cells from pond effluents by chemical flocculation and dissolved air flotation. Doctoral Dissertation, University of California at Berkeley

    Google Scholar 

  50. Stone RW, Parker DS, Cotteral JA (1975) Upgrading lagoon effluent to meet best practicable treatment. J Water Pollut Cont Fed 46(8) August

    Google Scholar 

  51. Bare WFR, Jones NB, Middlebrooks EJ (1975) Algae removal using dissolved air flotation. J Water Pollut Cont Fed 47(1):153–169

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  52. US ACE (2008) Civil works construction cost index system manual, 110–2–1304, US Army Corps of Engineers, Washington, DC, pp 44, PDF file is available on the Internet at http://www.nww.usace.army.mil/cost

  53. Wang LK, Wang MHS, Suozzo T, Dixon RA, Wright TL, Sarraino S (2009) Chemical and biochemical technologies for environmental infrastructure sustainability. National Engineers Week Conference, Albany Marriott, Albany, New York, 5–6 February 2009

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Clifton Park, NY, USA

    Donald B. Aulenbach PhD, PE, BCEE, PH, FNSPE

  2. Lenox Institute of Water Technology, Lenox, MA, USA

    Donald B. Aulenbach PhD, PE, BCEE, PH, FNSPE, Nazih K. Shammas PhD & Lawrence K. Wang PhD, PE, DEE

  3. Krofta Engineering Corporation, Lenox, MA, USA

    Nazih K. Shammas PhD & Lawrence K. Wang PhD, PE, DEE

  4. Zorex Corporation, Newtonville, NY, USA

    Lawrence K. Wang PhD, PE, DEE

  5. Evitts Creek Water Company, Cumberland, MD, USA

    Rodney C. Marvin AS, BS

Authors
  1. Donald B. Aulenbach PhD, PE, BCEE, PH, FNSPE
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Nazih K. Shammas PhD
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Lawrence K. Wang PhD, PE, DEE
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Rodney C. Marvin AS, BS
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Dawn Drive 1, Latham, 12110, USA

    Lawrence K. Wang

  2. Flintstone Dr. 35, Pittsfield, 01201, USA

    Nazih K. Shammas

  3. Larrywaug Crossroad 9, Stockbridge, 01262, U.S.A.

    William A. Selke

  4. Valencia Lane 28, Clifton Park, 12065, U.S.A.

    Donald B. Aulenbach

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2010 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Aulenbach, D.B., Shammas, N.K., Wang, L.K., Marvin, R.C. (2010). Algae Removal by Flotation. In: Wang, L., Shammas, N., Selke, W., Aulenbach, D. (eds) Flotation Technology. Handbook of Environmental Engineering, vol 12. Humana Press, Totowa, NJ. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-60327-133-2_11

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-60327-133-2_11

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Humana Press, Totowa, NJ

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-58829-494-4

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-60327-133-2

  • eBook Packages: EngineeringEngineering (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation