What is polyacrylamide (PAM)?

PAM, or anionic Polyacrylamide, is a very long chain, high molecular weight organic polymer produced from natural gas, with characteristics which make it useful as a soil amendment to control runoff and soil loss.

Which is better cationic or anionic polyacrylamide?

Cationic PAM is especially suitable for treating negatively charged organic substances such as high-concentration colloids and suspended solids in wastewater treatment. Due to its complex production process and superior performance, cationic PAM is usually priced higher than anionic polyacrylamide.

What is anionic polyacrylamide used for?

Anionic polyacrylamide is suitable for treating positively charged particles such as suspended solids and colloids in wastewater. Compared to cationic PAM, anionic polyacrylamide is usually less expensive and is suitable for large-scale use.

Does polyacrylamide protect soil resources?

Use of soil amendments, including anionic polyacrylamide (PAM), is one of many options for protecting soil resources. Polyacrylamide has been the focus of a substantial amount of research in the 1990s. Our objective is to present a review of the recent findings and advancements in PAM work.

How does anionic polyacrylamide (Apam) work?

Anionic polyacrylamide (APAM) carries a negative charge, and its molecular chain contains polar groups such as carboxyl groups. These groups can neutralize charges with positively charged particles in water and form larger flocs through bridging, thus accelerating the sedimentation of particles in the suspension.

What is the molecular structure of anionic polyacrylamide?

Molecular structure of anionic polyacrylamide. The percent of sodium acrylate copolymerized in PAM is expressed as the charge density, which generally ranges from 2 to 40% for commercially available PAMs (Barvenik, 1994).