EXPERIMENT 9

COAGULATION AND FLOCCULATION (JAR TEST)

NAME: MUHAMMAD IRFAN BIN AMIRUDDIN

ID: 2016709343
GROUP: AS2454B

NAME OF LECTURER: MADAM FARIDAH HANUM BT HJ BADRUN

DATE OF EXPERIMENT: 18/4/2018
DATE OF SUBMISSION: 26/4/2018
OBJECTIVE:
1. To determine the optimum pH for coagulation.
2. To obtain the optimum concentrations of the coagulant and the flocculant.

RESULTS:

Table 1: Determination of the optimum pH for coagulation

Flask 1 Flask 2 Flask 3 Flask 4 Flask 5
pH 5.53 5.97 6.50 7.04 7.53
Coagulant 1 1 1 1 1
Flocculant 1 1 1 1 1
Observation Less than Highest Average Low Lowest
( clarity ) highest

Optimum pH = 5.97

Table 2: Determination of the optimum concentration of coagulant

Flask 1 Flask 2 Flask 3 Flask 4 Flask 5 Flask 6
pH 6.08 6.08 6.08 6.08 6.08 6.08
Coagulant 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0
Flocculant 1 1 1 1 1 1
Observation Lowest Average Highest Average Average Average
( clarity )

Optimum volume of coagulant = 1.5 mL

Table 3: Determination of the optimum concentration of coagulant aid (flocculant)

Flask 1 Flask 2 Flask 3 Flask 4 Flask 5 Flask 6
pH 6.08 6.08 6.08 6.08 6.08 6.08
Coagulant 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5
Flocculant 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0
Observation Average Lowest Highest Average Average Average
( clarity )

Optimum volume of flocculant = 1.5 mL

DISCUSSION:
Coagulation and flocculation are the essential steps in water treatment process as it
removes the colloidal particles from water. The water may contain suspended matter, small
or large solid particles. Sedimentation and filtration processes can removes most of the solid
particles but the small particles that are remains in colloidal suspension cannot removes.
Coagulation is a chemical process whereby a coagulant neutralizes the negative charges on
the colloidal particles. The colloidal particles carry electrical charges which often negative
charge. Therefore, the opposite charges coagulant is added to the water to overcome the
repulsive charge and “destabilize” the suspension. Examples of coagulants include
aluminium salts, iron salts, and polyelectrolytes. As for flocculation, is basically a physical
process whereby the colloidal particles bond together to form “flocs” or “flakes” as it loses its
repelling force. Flocculants gathers the “destabilize” particles and cause them to
agglomerate and settle down at the bottom. Examples of flocculants include iron, aluminum,
magnesium, and calcium.
Based on the result obtained, in Table 1, the optimum pH value for coagulation was 6. By
comparing the highest clarity of water sample with the lowest clarity, it indicates that at pH
value 6, the coagulation process was able to occur. Hence, the coagulant was able to
destabilize the colloid particles in the water sample. While in Table 2, the optimum volume of
coagulant was 1.5 mL. By comparing the highest clarity of water sample with the lowest, the
results showed that at 1.5 mL of coagulant added, the colloid particles were destabilizes and
forms flocs which then settle down at the bottom of the flask. Where as in Table 3, the optimum
volume of coagulant aid used was also 1.5 mL. The highest clarity of water sample showed that
the flocculation was at optimum because at 1.5 mL of flocculant added, the destabilized colloid
particles agglomerated to a larger particle which enhanced coagulation process. The addition of
coagulant and flocculant is dependent on the water sample. The higher the negatively charged
particulate, dissolved, and colloidal contaminants, the higher the dosage of coagulant needed.

Several precaution steps must be taken into account in order to obtain accurate results and
avoid any accidents during the handling of the experiment. During the addition of coagulant
and flocculant (coagulant aid), slow stirring must be applied in order avoid the breaking up
flocs formed. Coagulant and flocculant must not be added excessively otherwise re-
stabilization of colloid particles occur. Coagulant must be added first in order to destabilize
the charged particles otherwise, if flocculant was added first, the negatively charged particles
were not be able to be neutralized and flocs were not formed to be settle down at the bottom
of the flask.

CONCLUSION:
In conclusion, the optimum pH value for coagulation was 6, the optimum dosage of
coagulant was 1.5 mL while the optimum dosage of flocculant (coagulant aid) was also 1.5
mL.
 REFERENCES

ChemTreat, (N.D.). Flocculants and Coagulants. Retrieved from

http://www.chemtreat.com/solutions/coagulants-flocculants/. Access on April 26, 2018.

EPA, (N.D.). Drinking Water Treatability Database. Conventional treatment. Retrieved from
https://iaspub.epa.gov/tdb/pages/treatment/treatmentOverview.do?treatmentProcessId=193
4681921. Access on April 26, 2018.