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Chapter 12: Problem 119

Aluminum sulfate \(\left[\mathrm{Al}_{2}\left(\mathrm{SO}_{4}\right)_{3}\right]\) is sometimes used in municipal water treatment plants to remove undesirable particles. Explain how this process works.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Aluminum sulfate is utilized in water treatment to gather impurities together into larger particles or 'flocs'. These are then separated from the water through gravity-based settling.

Step by step solution

01

Introduction

Aluminum sulfate, \(\left[\mathrm{Al}_{2}\left(\mathrm{SO}_{4}\right)_{3}\right]\), is a coagulant, meaning it is used to purify water by clumping impurities together into larger particles called 'flocs'.
02

Clarification on mechanism

When added to water, aluminum sulfate reacts with bicarbonates and carbonates present in the water to form gelatinous aluminum hydroxide precipitate, or flocs.
03

Clumping and precipitation

These newly formed precipitate flocs have a positive charge, which attracts negatively charged impurities (like dirt particles) in the water. This process causes these impurities to stick to form a larger mass.
04

Final process

Given that these flocs formed are heavier than the water, they sink to the bottom due to gravity, separating clean water from the impurities. The treated clean water is then piped out for use.

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