• Journal of Korean Society on Water Environment
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.367-374
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• 2012

A flotation process has a shorter processing time and needs less space than a sedimentation process. Dissolved air flotation process (DAF) is an efficient flotation method and used in a conventional wastewater treatment process. However, DAF requires the circulation of water containing compressed air and requires expensive installation and operation cost. Plasma Air Flotation (PAF) process is able to float flocs by micro bubbles generated from underwater plasma without the circulation of bubbly water and additional saturators. Therefore, PAF can be an alternative solution overcoming economic barriers. In this study, Humic acid removal efficiency by PAF process was compared with that of sedimentation process. 44.67% and 87.3% reduction rate based on UV 254 absorbance has been measured in sedimentation and PAF respectively. In particular, PAF in the flocculation zone can dramatically remove humic acid from water. In flocculation zone, PAF can separate organic matters but sedimentation cannot.