Organic polymers in water treatment are long-chain molecules widely employed to purify water, primarily by helping remove impurities.
Understanding Organic Polymers
At their core, organic polymers are sophisticated chemical compounds. Think of them as long chains built from many identical or similar small units called monomers linked together.
- Composition: They are macromolecules, meaning very large molecules.
- Structure: They consist of numerous repeating monomer units forming a long chain.
These unique structural properties make them useful in various industrial applications, including the purification of water.
Role in Water Purification
Organic polymers play a significant role in modern water treatment processes, particularly in making water safe for drinking. According to the provided information from 22-Oct-2024, organic polymers are "commonly used in purification of water nowadays."
Their primary function, especially in drinking water treatment, is related to removing suspended particles and other contaminants that cause turbidity and color in water.
- Key Application: Their usual application in drinking water purification is as primary coagulants or coagulant aids.
Coagulation and Flocculation Explained
Water sources often contain tiny particles that are too small to settle out on their own. Coagulation is the process of adding chemicals (like polymers) that neutralize the negative charges on these particles, allowing them to clump together.
- Primary Coagulants: Polymers used as primary coagulants directly cause this clumping (flocculation) by bringing the particles together.
- Coagulant Aids: Polymers used as coagulant aids enhance the performance of other primary coagulants (like aluminum or iron salts), helping to form larger, stronger clumps (flocs) that settle or filter out more easily.
This process is crucial for removing silt, clay, organic matter, and even some microorganisms, resulting in clearer and cleaner water before further treatment steps like sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection.
In summary, organic polymers are essential tools in water treatment, acting primarily as coagulants or coagulant aids to facilitate the removal of impurities through the formation of settleable or filterable flocs.
