Experimental assessment of coagulation efficiency using aluminum and iron salts

Murmansk Arctic University, branch in Apatity, 184209, Apatity, Russian Federation

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Abstract

A comprehensive experimental study of the comparative efficiency of traditional and modern coagulants for model wastewater treatment was conducted. The work examined in detail four types of reagents: aluminum sulfate (Al₂(SO₄)₃), iron (III) chloride (FeCl₃), iron(II) sulfate (FeSO₄), and polyaluminum chloride (Aqua-Aurat 30). Critical coagulation process parameters were established: optimal pH values (6.3-8.7 depending on the reagent), dosages (1-2 ml per 50 ml of wastewater), and the necessity of mixing. Special attention was paid to analyzing the influence of these factors on floc formation rate and completeness, as well as the volume and structure of the resulting sediment. Polyaluminum chloride showed the highest efficiency, producing 5 ml of sediment at a minimum dosage of 1 ml/50 ml while significantly improving organoleptic indicators of treated water. These findings enable optimization of coagulant selection for specific wastewater compositions.