Particle characteristics: A key factor in effluent treatment and reuse

Particulate matter presents a major problem in advanced wastewater treatment and in water reuse operations. This paper illustrates and analyses the approach that particle characterization may serve as an important tool in understanding treatment process mechanisms for improved design and solving clogging problems in field systems. Particle size distribution and particle surface characteristics are defined, examples of their application to effluent chemical coagulation, to wastewater reservoir effluent characterization and to the prevention of particle deposition in reuse systems are described.