Is polyaluminium chloride better than polyelectrolyte – alum-based coagulation?

At the Barekese Water Treatment Plant in Ghana, an alternative, the polyelectrolyte – polyaluminium chloride (PAC) is also used in coagulation but limited information is available on the operating conditions required to achieve better performance than alum-based coagulation.

What is Pac based water treatment?

PAC is the polymer adopted by the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) and the Barekese Water Treatment Plant management in Ghana. However, limited information is available on the optimal dosage and operating conditions for PAC-based water treatment.

What is the optimal pH range for Pac coagulation?

The optimal pH range for PAC coagulation performance was 7.5 to 8.0. The coagulation process in conventional water treatment could be enhanced and the ensuing water pH decline reduced appreciably by applying the right dosage of polyaluminium chloride and appropriate process conditions of pH, fluid mixing speed matrix and residence time.

Is polyaluminium chloride better than alum?

Application of polyaluminium chloride under the recommended process conditions produces relatively better quality treated water than alum application. Freshwater is finite and required for human and ecosystem survival.