Comparative Study of Two Flocculants in the Physical-Chemical Treatment of Municipal Wastewater: Chitosan and a Synthetic Polymer

The treatment of municipal wastewaters by physical-chemical methods normally requires the use of a metallic salt coagulant and a synthetic coagulant aid. Integrating the sustainable development concept in the treatment of waters favours the use of renewable resources such as natural biopolymers. In order to better understand the peculiarities of using a product of natural origin in municipal wastewater treatment, laboratory testing (jar tests) was achieved with chitosan as a coagulant aid, as well as full-scale testing in a medium size physical-chemical wastewater treatment plant.