Coagulation by hydrolysing metal salts

Abstract Aluminium and iron salts are widely used as coagulants in water and wastewater treatment and in some other applications. They are effective in removing a broad range of impurities from water, including colloidal particles and dissolved organic substances. Their mode of action is generally explained in terms of two distinct mechanisms: charge neutralisation of negatively charged colloids by cationic hydrolysis products and incorporation of impurities in an amorphous hydroxide precipitate (‘sweep flocculation’). The relative importance of these mechanisms depends on factors such as pH and coagulant dosage. Alternative coagulants, based on prehydrolysed forms of aluminium and iron, are more effective than the traditional additives in many cases, but their mode of action is not completely understood, especially with regard to the role of charge neutralisation and hydroxide precipitation. Some basic features of metal hydrolysis and precipitate formation are briefly reviewed and the action of hydrolysing coagulants is then discussed, with examples from the older literature and from some recent studies on model systems. Dynamic monitoring of floc formation and breakage can give useful insights into the underlying mechanisms. Although the results can be reasonably well explained in terms of established ideas, a detailed understanding of the ‘sweep flocculation’ mechanism is not yet available. There are also still some uncertainties regarding the action of pre-hydrolysed coagulants.