Flocculation of Cu, Zn, Pb, Ni and Mn during mixing of Talar River Water with Caspian Seawater

Abstract

In the present investigation flocculation of dissolved Cu, Zn, Pb, Ni and Mn in a series of mixtures with salinities ranging from 1.5 to 9.5% during mixing of Talar river water with the Caspian Sea water was studied. The flocculation trend of Zn (87.22%) >Mn (45.31%) >Pb (39.09%) >Cu (36.58%)>Ni (12.70%) indicates that Cu, Zn, Pb and Mn have non-conservative behavior and Ni has relatively conservative behavior during estuarine mixing. Highest flocculation of metals occurs between salinities of 1.5 to 3.5%. Statistical analysis indicates that the flocculation of studied metals except for Ni is governed by pH and total nitrogen.