USE OF POLYELECTROLYTES IN WATER CLARIFICATION

摘要

This invention is in the field of water treatment and relates to the problem of removing suspended impurities and coloured substances from water. The solution to the problem involves contacting the water with a particulate mineral, especially clay, having a thin hydroxylated surface layer, the particles having a positive zeta potential. A polyelectrolyte preferably having a polymeric cation, is thereafter added to the water to assist in coagulation. The invention is useful in treating waterways, e.g. rivers.