The application of hematite (α-Fe2O3) nanoparticles in coagulation and flocculation processes of River Nile Rosetta branch surface water

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to investigate the performance of hematite nanoparticles in coagulation process in turbidity removal from naturally and artificially turbid raw surface water. Alum is widely used as coagulant in drinking water treatment processes in Egypt. To avoid residual aluminum problems, hematite nanoparticles have been used as coagulant. In this study, the prepared hematite nanoparticles before and after agglutination are characterized by using electron microscope (TEM, SEM). In addition to quality tests of treated water by hematite nanoparticle after coagulation process, tests were also conducted in comparison to alum. Effect of hematite nanoparticles dosage on the coagulation ability was studied to determine the highest turbidity removal. The results show the highest turbidity removal by hematite nanoparticles of values up to 93.8%.