Multiple roles of UV/KMnO4 in cyanobacteria containing water treatment: Cell inactivation & removal, and microcystin degradation

Cyanobacterial blooms present great challenges to drinking water treatment and human health. The novel combination of potassium permanganate (KMnO4) and ultraviolet (UV) radiation is engaged as a promising advanced oxidation process in water purification. This study investigated the treatment of a typical cyanobacteria, Microcystis aeruginosa by UV/KMnO4. Cell inactivation was significantly improved by UV/KMnO4 treatment, compared to UV alone or KMnO4 alone, and cells were completely inactivated within 35 min by UV/KMnO4 in natural water. Moreover, effective degradation of associated microcystins was simultaneously achieved at UV fluence rate of 0.88 mW cm-2 and KMnO4 dosages of 3–5 mg L-1. The significant synergistic effect is possibly attributable to the highly oxidative species produced during UV photolysis of KMnO4. In addition, the cell removal efficiency via self-settling reached 87.9 % after UV/KMnO4 treatment, without additional coagulants. The fast in situ generated manganese dioxide was responsible for the enhancement of M. aeruginosa cell removal. This study firstly reports multiple roles of UV/KMnO4 process in cyanobacterial cell inactivation and removal, as well as simultaneous microcystin degradation under practical conditions. [Display omitted] •Significant synergy of UV/KMnO4 on cyanobacteria treatment was observed.•UV/KMnO4 achieved efficient inactivation of cyanobacterial cells.•Effective degradation of microcystins was simultaneously achieved.•The cells were removed efficiently via self-settling after UV/KMnO4 treatment.