Stoichiometry of Coagulation

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to examine the adsorption of coagulants on the colloids present in water and to interpret this adsorption in terms of coagulation and restabilization; and, based upon a consideration of chemical and electrostatic interactions in the destabilization of colloids, to develop a conceptual model relating optimum coagulation with pertinent solution variables. A simple adsorption model is presented which permits, in principle, a quantitative description of the interrelationships between the coagulant dose, pH, and the surface area of the dispersed phase. This model is useful in evaluating the circumstances under which a stoichiometric relationship exists between the required coagulant dose and the concentration of colloidal impurities in the water.