Preparation of a novel cationic guar gum-Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles for effective harvesting of Microcystis aeruginosa
摘要
Microcystis aeruginosa is one of the most common cyanobacteria in eutrophic, polluted water bodies and affecting human health. Traditional flocculation and magnetic separation of materials in the harvesting of microalgae are affected by pH, which makes it difficult to achieve ideal harvesting efficiency. In this study, magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles (MNPs) were modified by using cationic guar gum (CGG) to improve the harvesting efficiency of microalgae. CGG-magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles (CMNPs) can harvest M. aeruginosa efficiently, with a maximum harvest efficiency of 99.62%. When the algal cell concentration was 0.014 g L−1, the harvesting efficiency reached 97.33 ± 0.52%. Additionally, the harvesting of M. aeruginosa by CMNPs was less affected by pH and temperature, exceeding 97% in the pH range of 4–10 and temperature range of 20°C-40°C. The transmission electron microscope images of M. aeruginosa cells-CMNPs harvested illustrated that CMNPs do not cause damage to the cells. In conclusion, CMNPs is environmentally friendly and efficient materials for microalgae harvesting.