Zeolite and fungi's flocculability of simulated wastewater containing heavy metal ions or phosphorus

This paper focuses on the flocculability of simulated wastewater containing heavy metal ions (Fe3+, Cd2+) or phosphorus by zeolite, microbial flocculants (MBF) produced by Aspergillus niger and the composite flocculant composed of zeolite and MBF. The main results are presented as follows: zeolite was a good flocculant when the contamination of the three simulated wastewaters was low, but the treated water is of turbidness and the particles in it are hard to precipitate. The MBF have a good flocculability toward Fe3+ wastewater, as well as particulate matter. Significant changes in flocculability occurred after adding the composite flocculant in different simulated wastewaters, the best or least effect respective for Fe3+ and Cd2+ wastewater. The research we have done shows that the method by which the composite flocculant is used to treat the wastewater containing heavy metal ions or phosphorus provides important reference value for practical application.