Characterization and flocculation evaluation of a novel carboxylated chitosan modified flocculant by UV initiated polymerization

[Display omitted] •A functionalized chitosan-based flocculant (CC-g-PCD) is synthesized by UV initiation.•The concentration of algae decreased as the flocculants dosage increased.•The removal efficiency of CC-g-PCD was higher than that of commercially available coagulant.•CC-g-PCD has high efficiency in the removal of algae and turbidity from raw water. In this work, carboxylated chitosan modified flocculant (CC-g-PCD) was prepared by graft copolymerization technique to enhance the charge-attracting and adhesion of bridges and net-sweeping capacity of flocculants. The dimethyldiallylammonium chloride (DMDAAC), carboxylated chitosan (CMCS), and 3-chloro-2-chloropropyltrimethylammonium chloride (CTA) were utilized for synthesis of CC-g-PCD via photopolymerization techniques. The synthesized CC-g-PCD was characterized by 1H NMR, SEM, XRD, and FTIR, and the characteristic groups on the main chain and surface morphological structure of CC-g-PCD were investigated. The obtained results indicated that CTA and DMDAAC were successfully grafted into the CPCTS. In ordered to evaluate the flocculation performance of CC-g-PCD at various dosages, stirring intensity (G value), and pH value by detecting Chl a, COD, and turbidity, the actual lake water that contains algae was used for flocculation assessment tests. The experimental results of the water sample with flocculation showed that the maximum flocculation efficiency of turbidity (91.1%), Chl a (97.2%), and COD (97.0%) can be achieved by CC-g-PCD at pH 7, G value 200 s−1, and 4.0 mg/L. The comparison results demonstrated that CC-g-PCD had better flocculation efficiency than commercial flocculants. Finally, based on the analysis of algae removal in combination with Zeta potential measurements, the flocculation mechanisms in actual lake water at various dosages and pH values were adsorption bridging and electrical neutralization.