The coagulation-flocculation process in wastewater treatment has been shown to be a

complex one. Many hours of testing and research have gone into the perfecting of this
process over the past years, and it will continue to be the subject of many future studies.
Understanding the many chemical processes behind these processes is only the beginning
to understanding them fully. Coagulation-flocculation is a well known conventional pretreatment method (typically in combination withsedimentation and rapid sand filtration)
used to separate the suspended and dissolved compounds (turbidity) from the water in
(semi-)centralised drinking water treatment plants. Many charged species such as
suspended mineral, organics, pathogens, and dissolved species such as metal ions,
phosphates, fluoride, and radionuclides can be separated by these processes. Typically,
coagulation-flocculation is combined with sedimentation and rapid sand filtration) to be
effective.
Chemicals reactants (flocculants and coagulants) concentration must be adjusted properly
to the exact composition of the water. The operation of coagulators, flocculators and
clarifiers requires trained operators. Maintenance work should be undertaken regularly to
guarantee an efficient treatment.
Desired efficiencies must always come with trade-offs for other desired effluent qualities.
Perhaps a solution will arise in the future that will combine all of the desired features
without the need for any trade-offs.