What is the function of Alum or aluminum compounds in wastewater treatment?

Study for the GWWI WEF Wastewater Treatment Fundamentals Test. Review key concepts with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, complete with hints and explanations. Prepare to ace your exam!

The function of Alum, or aluminum compounds, in wastewater treatment primarily revolves around their ability to coagulate solids. During the treatment process, suspended particles and impurities in wastewater can be challenging to remove due to their small size and charge. When Alum is added to the wastewater, it acts as a coagulant that promotes the aggregation of these fine particles into larger flocs.

This process makes it easier to remove the solids through sedimentation or filtration. The aluminum ions in Alum neutralize the charges on the particles, allowing them to come together and form larger aggregates, which settle more readily. Consequently, the use of Alum significantly enhances the efficiency of the wastewater treatment process by improving the overall clarity and quality of the effluent. This function is crucial in achieving desired treatment levels before the water is either discharged into the environment or further treated for reuse.

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