Use of hybrid microcapsules, chitosan-methyl esterified sericite-tannin, for the removal of harmful lake algae and nutrient.

ABSTRACT

This paper outlines the development of a novel, low-cost, hybrid material from chitosan-methyl esterified sericite-tannin. The adsorbent material is then successfully utilized for the efficient removal of lake nutrients and harmful algae. In a FT-IR analysis, peaks related to -OH stretching, carbonyl and carboxylic groups, and CH stretching were newly created or expanded, and microcapsules were found to facilitate the removal of harmful algae and nutrients. The hybrid microcapsules obtained high removal efficiencies of 98% TN, 98% TP, and 99% Chl-a from the lake water by a quantity of hybrid microcapsules of 1 g/L, pH (7-8), and 30 min contact time at (25-30)°C. In addition, the experimental data were applied to various harmful algae growth models and were most suitable for the Heldane model. Based on the above results, microcapsules can be applied in the field, and can be expected to rapidly remove nutrients and harmful algae.