Aluminium Chloride In Water Treatment

Aluminum chloride (AlCl3) is a chemical compound that is commonly used in water treatment as a coagulant. When added to water, aluminum chloride forms positively charged particles called "flocs", which can attract and trap impurities such as dirt, organic matter, and microorganisms.

The flocs formed by aluminum chloride act as a filter, allowing the trapped impurities to settle to the bottom of the water container or be removed through other filtration processes. This process is known as coagulation and flocculation.

Aluminum chloride is particularly effective in treating surface water sources, such as lakes and rivers, which tend to contain higher levels of impurities. It can also be used in the treatment of wastewater and industrial effluents.

However, the use of aluminum chloride in water treatment has some potential drawbacks. If used in excess, it can lead to the formation of harmful byproducts, such as trihalomethanes (THMs), which are known carcinogens. Therefore, it is important to carefully regulate the amount of aluminum chloride used in water treatment to ensure its effectiveness without compromising public health.