Water is a precious resource, and ensuring its purity and safety for consumption is a top priority for any water treatment company. To achieve this, various chemicals are employed in water treatment processes, each serving a specific role in purifying and disinfecting water.

In this blog, we’ll explore three essential chemicals used in water treatment and their vital functions.

Chlorine – The Trusted Disinfectant

Chlorine is a familiar name when it comes to water treatment and is a powerhouse when it comes to disinfection. Chlorine is effective in killing bacteria, viruses, and other harmful microorganisms present in water. Whether applied in the form of chlorine gas, liquid sodium hypochlorite, or solid calcium hypochlorite, chlorine is dosed into water to eliminate pathogens. It’s a crucial step in ensuring that the water you drink is free from harmful contaminants.

Aluminum Sulfate – The Clarifying Coagulant

Aluminum sulfate, commonly known as alum, is a coagulant that plays a pivotal role in water treatment. Its primary function is to clarify water by removing suspended particles, colloids, and impurities. When alum is added to water, it initiates a process of coagulation and flocculation. This process causes fine particles to clump together into larger flocs, making it easier to remove them through sedimentation and filtration. Alum transforms cloudy, turbid water into crystal-clear, safe drinking water.

Polyacrylamide (PAM) – The Flocculant for Wastewater

Polyacrylamide, often referred to as PAM, is a crucial chemical in water treatment, especially for wastewater and industrial effluents. PAM is a flocculant, and its role is to enhance the sedimentation and filtration of particles in water. By encouraging the formation of larger flocs from smaller particles, PAM accelerates the settling process. This is particularly useful in wastewater treatment, where a high degree of purification is required. PAM aids in the removal of suspended solids, organic matter, and other contaminants, ensuring that water meets the required quality standards.

Conclusion

In the world of water treatment, these three chemicals are just a snapshot of the extensive toolbox used to ensure that water is safe, clean, and free from contaminants. While these chemicals serve different functions, they collectively contribute to the vital mission of providing fresh, drinkable water to communities and industries worldwide. Water treatment companies play a crucial role in safeguarding this precious resource, making it suitable for various applications and preserving the health and well-being of the public.