Removal of microplastics from water

The aim of this diploma thesis is to investigate the removability of microplastsic particles with different shapes (fragments, sphers, fibers) by standard water treatment process, such as coagulation, filtration and sedimentation. For the experimental purpose in this study, polyvinyl chloride with a size ≤ 50 μm and a density of 1.38 g/cm3 , was used as a representative of microplastics. The coagulation has been provided by ferric sulphate in pH range 5, 6, 7 and 8 and at a diferent dose of coagulant 20, 40, and 60 mg/l. The study results has shown, that the coagulation efficiency of polyvinyl chloride particles were affected by pH. The optimal value of pH has been 7 at the coagulant dose of 20, 40 and 60 mg/l. The presence of polyvinyl chloride shown a positive effect on coagulation. It has been reflected in a reduction of the residuals of iron concentration after coagulation, at pH 5-7. Solution with polyvinyl chloride contained 1,2 mg/l dissolved organic carbon. After fitlration the concentration decreased up to 70 % at pH 7 at dose of coagulant 40 and 60 mg/l. Experiments have shown that polyvinyl chloride particles are capable of faster sedimentation after coagulation. The flocs formed during coagulation interacted effectively with the polyvinyl chloride particles and facilitate their removal...