Potassium permanganate as an alternative preoxidant for enhancing algal coagulation--pilot and bench scale studies.

Pilot- and laboratory-scale studies were conducted to evaluate the effects of permanganate preoxidation on the removal of algae removal by coagulation. Experimental results indicate that permanganate was capable of enhancing algal coagulation. An optimum permanganate dosage for algal coagulation was identified for pilot and laboratory tests. Permanganate caused cells to liberate extracellular organic matter at the cell surfaces, thereby improving cell aggregation and increasing algae removal. Calcium enhanced the permanganate preoxidation during algal coagulation.