- Where do the raw materials for coagulants come from?
- What happens to the coagulant after it has done its job?
- What happens to the sludge?
- What are the main advantages of coagulants?
- What is phosphate precipitation?
- Are there alternatives to inorganic coagulants in water treatment?
- What are the long-term negative effects of inorganic coagulants?
The active substances in coagulants are either iron or aluminium. Both metals are found abundantly in the earth's crust and are used as water soluble salts - mostly sulphates and/or chlorides.
The coagulant reacts with the impurities in the water and creates sludge.
Good quality sludge that has no trace of toxic components can be used for agricultural purposes as a fertiliser. Other alternatives include incineration and landfills.
Coagulants can be used in a wide range of applications. They offer an excellent cost-efficiency ratio compared to traditional methods of water purification. The equipment required for the application of coagulants is not expensive and their use can improve the performance of existing facilities by as much as 50 %.
Phosphate precipitation is a chemical reaction between coagulants and phosphates in water forming insoluble solids.
Yes, there are alternatives but chemical water treatment is the most cost-efficient and stable process.
Inorganic coagulants have been in use for over 5,000 years and no harmful consequences for the environment have ever been recorded.
