Factors Affecting Phytoplankton Removal by Electro-Oxidation of Artificial Seawater
Niwooti Whangchai*, Nakao Nomura and Masatoshi Matsumura* Author for corresponding; e-mail address: niwoot@mju.ac.th
Volume: Vol.30 No.3 (DECEMBER 2003)
Research Article
DOI:
Received: 30 March 2003, Revised: -, Accepted: 1 December 2003, Published: -
Citation: Whangchai N., Nomura N. and Matsumura M., Factors Affecting Phytoplankton Removal by Electro-Oxidation of Artificial Seawater, Chiang Mai Journal of Science, 2003; 30(3): 255-259.
Abstract
This study investigated the factors affecting removal of phytoplankton by electro-oxidation in artificial shrimp pond water, containing organic matter (in terms of COD; 8, 41 and 94 mg/l) and a different pHs (6.5, 7.2, 8.2, 8.9 and 9.5). It was conducted in a batch mode by using artificial seawater (salinity 35 ppt, temperature 24 + 1 °C) containing phytoplankton (Skeletonema sp.) and organic matter. Ground shrimp feed was added to the water as an organic matter source. A DC power supply was used for electro-oxidation. The phytoplankton (in terms of chlorophyll a) and COD removal rate were determined at different specific energies (0-0.6 watt x h/l). Electro-oxidation readily decreased phytoplankton, while COD was difficult to remove. Chlorophyll a reduction efficiency at low pH was better than that at high pH. In contrast, the efficiency of reduction in water containing high COD was lower than in water containing lower COD.