The role of magnetic MOFs nanoparticles in enhanced iron coagulation of aquatic dissolved organic matter

Dissolved organic matter (DOM) is not only a vector for the migration of aquatic environmental pollutants, but is also key to the control of water pollution. Economic and effective DOM removal through coagulation is essential in water treatment processes. This work investigated the role of carboxylated magnetic metal organic frameworks (MMOFs) nanoparticles in polymeric iron-based coagulation for the removal of aquatic DOM using a MMOFs-doped polyferric iron-based coagulant (MMOFPIC). Analytical methodologies and tools used in this research included scanning electron microscopy (SEM), zeta potential, molecular weight cut off (MWCO), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) measurement, excitation emission matrix spectroscopy (EEMs), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The results showed that MMOF-PIC had the potential to change the structure of the polyferric iron-based coagulant (PIC) and charge, as determined by a porous surface morphology, a higher medium polymeric species distribution, and a more positive zeta potential. The MMOFs consequently enhanced PIC action on the removal of UV254 exposed DOM species with molecular weight < 30 kDa, including aromatic C=C based compounds, org-N as primary amines and amide/peptide bound species, water containing microbial metabolites and protein-like materials. The coagulation of DOM was enhanced by improving charge neutralization, adsorption-bridging and sweep-flocculation in the presence of MMOFs nanoparticles. This was due to hydrogen bonds, π-π bonds and covalent bonds resulting from actions of nanoparticles and pollutants. These results indicate that magnetic MOF nanoparticles can improve PIC coagulation for DOM, enhancing future removal of target pollutants.