All type of water, especially surface water contains both dissolved and suspended particles.

In wastewater treatment operations, the process of coagulation and flocculation are used to separate the suspended solid. Coagulation involves the addition of chemical (coagulants) during relatively intense mixing to destabilize naturally occurring particles and macromolecules and to precipate additional particles. An example of coagulant that is often used is aluminium sulphate. In flocculation, a period of less intense mixing is used to promote the aggregation of destabilized particles into larger flocs that can be removed subsequently by sedimentation or filtration. During coagulation and flocculation, various dissolved ions and molecules may be adsorbed by particles or may be precipitated, depending on the type and concentration of species. The requirement of water quality is increasing during the time, therefore the aesthetic quality of water should be improved by water treatment plant before being used. The color of water is an indication of the organic content, including humic and fulvic acids, the presence of natural metallic ions such as iron and manganese, and turbidity (Crittenden and Montgomery Watson Harza (Firm) 2005). Some impurities in water are exceptionally fine, such that if they were to be left to settle under gravity the tank would need to be unfeasibly large. Bringing them together to form larger particles that would settle more readily can often be difficult, as they carry electrical charges that need to be overcome. This process can also be made difficult if the amount of solids to be removed is low. Coagulation/Flocculation is the process of creating the correct conditions so these particulates can be brought together to form flocs of solids in coagulated water. These flocs will readily settle and produce good quality treated water. Professor Wolfgang Ostwald said, coagulation and flocculation still play a dominant role in many water and wastewater treatment schemes, including those incorporating membrane treatment. Because of the complex interdependence of numerous factors inherent in the coagulation and flocculation processes, a thorough understanding of the phenomena involved is essential. Coagulation and flocculation are an essential part of drinking water treatment. Coagulation and flocculation in water and waste water treatment provides a comprehensive account of coagulation and flocculation techniques and technologies in a single volume covering theoretical principles to practical applications (John Bratby, 2006). Coagulation and flocculation constitute the backbone processes in most water and advanced wastewater treatment plants. The objective is to enhance the separation of particulate species in downstream processes such as sedimentation and filtration. The traditional use of coagulation has been primarily for the removal of turbidity from potable water. However, more recently, coagulation has been shown to be an effective processes for the removal of many other contaminants that can be adsorbed by colloids (Nazih K.Shammas,2005)

The efficiency of the coagulation and flocculation process is dependent on many variables. For a particular water these many include: Type of coagulant used Coagulant dosage Final pH Coagulant feed concentration Type and dosage of chemical additives other than primary coagulant Sequence of chemical addition and time lag between dosing points Intensity and duration of mixing at rapid mix stage Type of rapid mix device Velocity gradients applied during flocculation stage Flocculator retention time Type of stirring device used Flocculator geometry

Coagulants and flocculants are commonly used in the destabilization and aggregation of suspended solids during water and wastewater treatment. Both inorganic salts and organic polymers may be used as coagulants, and various synthetic and natural organic polymers are applied as flocculants. Organic matter is quite well removed during coagulation, although it often requires a higher coagulant dosage. Other factors that influence the effectiveness of coagulants and flocculants are pH, temperature, mixing conditions and other ions present in the water. In order to maximize efficiency of contaminant removal while minimizing residuals, careful coagulant or flocculant dose selection and control are essential (Kirsten Exall,2005)

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http://www.ovivowater.us/en/CoagulationandFlocculation Victoria Beddow, 2013, Coagulation and Flocculation in water and wastewater treatment. Iwa Water wiki. John Bratby, 2006, Coagulation and Flocculation in water and wastewater treatment. IWA publishing, London, Seattle. Lab Module pollution control and chemical reaction engineering laboratory, (2013) Crittenden, J. and Montgomery Watson Harza (Firm) (2005). Water treatment principles and design. Hoboken, N.J., J. Wiley.

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Nazih K. Shammas, 2005, Physicochemical Treatment Process. Humana Press, Totowa, New Jersey Kirsten Exall,2005, Physic and Chemistry of water. Water encyclopedia.

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