title: Organic polyelectrolytes in water treatment.
abstract: The use of polymers in the production of drinking water is reviewed, with emphasis on the nature of the impurities to be removed, the mechanisms of coagulation and flocculation, and the types of polymers commonly available. There is a focus on polymers for primary coagulation, their use as coagulant aids, in the recycling of filter backwash waters, and in sludge thickening. Practicalities of polymer use are discussed, with particular attention to polymer toxicity, and the presence of residual polymer in the final drinking water. The questions of polymer degradation and the formation of disinfection by-products are also addressed.
authors.affiliation: CSIRO Manufacturing and Materials Technology, Private Bag 33, Clayton South, Vic 3169, Australia. brian.bolto@csiro.au
authors.forename: Brian
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Bolto
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Gregory
mesh_terms: D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources; D004202:Disinfectants / Q000737:chemistry / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000633:toxicity; D004203:Disinfection; D004573:Electrolytes / Q000737:chemistry / Q000302:isolation & purification* / Q000633:toxicity; D005374:Filtration; D005427:Flocculation; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry / Q000302:isolation & purification* / Q000633:toxicity; D014865:Waste Disposal, Fluid / Q000379:methods*; D018508:Water Purification / Q000379:methods*; D014881:Water Supply
chemical_list: D004202:Disinfectants; D004573:Electrolytes; D011108:Polymers