Soluble polymers in water purification

Polymers have been used in coagulation/flocculation processes for water purification for more than three decades. However, there is no information on the relationship between polymer structure and treatment performance, that is, of ways to obtain maximum flocculation or water exclusion, the fastest rates of both precipitation and sedimentation, the best quality for the recovered water and the highest solids content of the final sludge. There is much opportunity for improved polymeric flocculants that are tailor made for particular processes. This paper focuses on the utilization of soluble polymers or flocculants for the preparation of drinking water from low quality sources and in cleaning up wastewaters of domestic or industrial origin. There is some potential for the use of soluble polymers in membrane technologies as well.