Superfast Coagulation and Removal of Microcystis Aeruginosa and Microcystin-Lr by Palladium Clusters Doped G-C3n4 with No Light Irradiation

Efficent treatment of cyanobacterial blooms in eutrophication waters by safe and reliable nanomaterials is a big challenge for reducing environmental health risks. Herein, a novel strategy combining palladium clusters (Pdn) with g-C3N4 nanocomposites was presented to achieve high-efficient removal of Microcystis aeruginosa cells and Microcystin-LR (MC-LR) through coagulation and breakage. Interestingly, 95.17% of algal cells (initial concentraction of 5.6× 106 cells/mL) were promptly removed in the Pd/g-C3N4 (5%) system within only 10 min, whereas the other flocculation and oxidation methods required at least few hours to achieve similar removal efficiency. Both the release of potassium ion and MC-LR during the removal process and the transmission electron microscope observations of Microcystis aeruginosa cells proved that the integrity of the algal cell membrane was destroyed. The removal of MC-LR were further confirmed in the next process. Pd metal interaction and breakage against algal cells may cause disruption of algal cells and the Pd/g-C3N4 can be better recycled. This study describes a novel technology for the superfast removal of harmful algae and may provide a new insight into the control of cyanobacterial blooms in practical applications