Experimental study on the performance of modified flocculant (PEI-T) for removal of turbidity and heavy metals from aqueous solution

The current study was focused on the evaluation of the performance of a modified flocculant (PEI-T) for the removal of turbidity and heavy metals from wastewater. Thioglycolic acid was introduced into the molecular chain of cationic flocculant polyethyleneimine (PEI) through an amidation reaction to form a new flocculant PEI-T. Results revealed that: (a) PEI-T and PEI had similar turbidity removal effect, but PEI-T had a good function of catching heavy metal copper and mercury; (b) when Cu2+ and turbidity-causing substances coexist in a water sample, Cu2+ and turbidity-causing substances promote the removal of each other and the residual concentration of Cu2+ and turbidity decrease further; and (c) the presence of Ca2+ and Mg2+ can promote the removal of copper ions by PEI-T.

Automated summary

The study focused on evaluating a modified flocculant (PEI-T) for removing turbidity and heavy metals from wastewater. Results showed that PEI-T had good capabilities in catching heavy metals like copper and mercury, and when Cu2+ and turbidity-causing substances are present together, they can promote each other's removal. Additionally, the presence of Ca2+ and Mg2+ can enhance the removal of copper ions by PEI-T.