Effectiveness of Kaolinite with and Without Polyaluminum Chloride (PAC) in Removing Toxic Alexandrium minutum

Cherono Sheilah Kwambai; Houda Ennaceri; Alan J. Lymbery; Damian W. Laird; Jeff Cosgrove; Navid Reza Moheimani

doi:10.3390/toxins17080395

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Effectiveness of Kaolinite with and Without Polyaluminum Chloride (PAC) in Removing Toxic Alexandrium minutum

Journal article

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Peer reviewed

Effectiveness of Kaolinite with and Without Polyaluminum Chloride (PAC) in Removing Toxic Alexandrium minutum

Cherono Sheilah Kwambai, Houda Ennaceri, Alan J. Lymbery, Damian W. Laird, Jeff Cosgrove and Navid Reza Moheimani

Toxins, Vol.17(8), 395

2025

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/toxins17080395

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Abstract

harmful algal blooms

removal rates

zeta potential

cost estimate

Alexandrium spp.

modified clays

kaolinite

seawater

Alexandrium spp. blooms and paralytic shellfish poisoning pose serious economic threats to coastal communities and aquaculture. This study evaluated the removal efficiency of two Alexandrium minutum strains using natural kaolinite clay (KNAC) and kaolinite with polyaluminum chloride (KPAC) at three concentrations (0.1, 0.25, and 0.3 g L−1), two pH levels (7 and 8), and two cell densities (1.0 and 2.0 × 107 cells L−1) in seawater. PAC significantly enhanced removal, achieving up to 100% efficiency within two hours. Zeta potential analysis showed that PAC imparted positive surface charges to the clay, promoting electrostatic interactions with negatively charged algal cells and enhancing flocculation through Van der Waals attractions. In addition, the study conducted a cost estimate analysis and found that treating one hectare at 0.1 g L−1 would cost approximately USD 31.75. The low KPAC application rate also suggests minimal environmental impact on benthic habitats.

Details

Title: Effectiveness of Kaolinite with and Without Polyaluminum Chloride (PAC) in Removing Toxic Alexandrium minutum
Authors/Creators: Cherono Sheilah Kwambai - Murdoch University
Houda Ennaceri - Murdoch University
Alan J. Lymbery - Murdoch University
Damian W. Laird - Murdoch University
Jeff Cosgrove
Navid Reza Moheimani - Murdoch University
Publication Details: Toxins, Vol.17(8), 395
Publisher: MDPI
Identifiers: 991005807447207891
Murdoch Affiliation: School of Mathematics, Statistics, Chemistry and Physics; School of Environmental and Conservation Sciences; Centre for Sustainable Aquatic Ecosystems; Centre for Water, Energy and Waste; Algae R&D Centre
Language: English
Resource Type: Journal article

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