Discussion

1) What are the advantages of using coagulant aids?

To accelerate settling, minimum the usage of chemical in treatment and adjusted the pH
of the water into the optimal range for coagulation.
Hammer, MarkJ. (2001).

2) Describe the differences between alum and ferric coagulants.

I. Ph- The optimum pH range for alum is generally about 5 to 8. The optimum pH
range for ferric chloride is 4 to 12.
II. Dosage - Ferric dosage is typically about half of the dosage required for alum.
III. Chemical Reaction- Ferric coagulant reacts in water with hydroxide alkalinity to
form various hydrolysis products that incorporate Fe (OH) 3 . These compounds
possess high cationic charge which allows them to neutralize the electrostatic
charges found on colloidal compounds and also to bind to negatively charged
particles, including the ferric hydroxide itself. This ability to bind to itself is the
mechanism for the formation of floc aggregates and the basis for ferric chlorides
flocculation abilities.

FeCI3 + 3 HCO3 = Fe (OH) 3 + 3CO2 + 3CI-

In the case of alum coagulants, these reactions can be represented as follows:
Al2(SO4)3 + 3 Ca(HCO3)2 = 2 Al(OH)3 + 3 CaSO4 + 6 CO2
Al2(SO4)3 + 3 Ca(OH)2 = 2 Al(OH)3 + 3 CaSO4
Al2(SO4)3 + 3 Na2CO3 + 3 H2O = 2 Al(OH)3 + 3 Na2SO4 + 3 CO2

The alum reacts rapidly with compounds in the water that contain carbonates,
bicarbonates and hydroxides to produce a jelly-like substance that absorbs impurities. At
the same time, alum, with a positive charge, neutralizes the negative charge common to
natural particles, which draws them together. Small particles microfloc are formed.

IV. Ferric coagulant can be purchased either in sulfate salt (Fe2 (SO4)3.xH2O) or
chloride salt (FeCl3.xH2O) whereas alum only in sulfate salt Al2 (SO4)3.
Hammer, MarkJ. (2001).

Reference
Hammer, MarkJ. (2001)Water and Waste water Technology Frouth Edition New
Terzey: Prentice Hall