Development of Novel Aluminum-Based Coagulant for Effective Virus Removal

Abstract

 A novel aluminum-based coagulant for effective virus removal was developed in the present study based on the investigation of roles of the basicity, sulfate ion and aluminum speciation in coagulation of virus. The coagulation process with the novel aluminum-based coagulant effectively removed viruses compared with other aluminum-based coagulants, and achieved apporimately 6-log removals not only in the weakly acidic and neutral pH conditions but also weakly alkaline pH conditions. In addition, Al₁₃ and Al₃₀ polymers were detecteded by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry and ²⁷Al-NMR spectrometry in the novel aluminum-based coagulant. Accordingly, Al₁₃ and Al₃₀ species are probably dominant species to control the virus removal performance, and that lead effective removals of viruses in the coagulation process with novel aluminum-based coagulant even in the weakly alkaline pH condition.