Water treatment chemicals play a crucial role in purifying water to make it safe for consumption, industrial use, and environmental protection. As municipalities and industries increasingly prioritize water quality, the demand for effective and reliable water treatment solutions has surged. This has led to the growth of the wholesale market for water treatment chemicals, catering to both large-scale and smaller water treatment facilities.
Another critical aspect covered in the handbook is the potential health risks associated with certain additives. Some plasticizers, for example, have been scrutinized for their endocrine-disrupting properties, leading to calls for alternative, safer substances. The handbook offers insights into emerging trends in the development of bio-based and non-toxic additives which aim to mitigate these concerns while maintaining material performance.
One of the primary categories of chemicals used in wastewater treatment is coagulants. Coagulants, such as aluminum sulfate (alum) and ferric chloride, are essential for the aggregation of suspended particles in water. When added to wastewater, these chemicals neutralize the electrical charges on particles, allowing them to clump together and form larger aggregates known as flocs. This process, known as coagulation, significantly enhances the efficiency of sedimentation and filtration processes in both primary and secondary treatment stages.