Aluminum sulfate is primarily used as a flocculant to achieve what goal?

Aluminum sulfate is widely recognized for its effectiveness as a flocculant in water treatment processes, especially in stormwater management. The primary goal of using aluminum sulfate in this context is to control turbidity. When added to water, aluminum sulfate promotes the aggregation of suspended particles by neutralizing their negative charges, allowing them to clump together and form larger particles known as flocs. These flocs can then be more easily removed from the water, leading to clearer water and reduced turbidity.

Controlling turbidity is crucial because high levels of suspended solids can detrimentally affect water quality, aquatic habitats, and the efficiency of water treatment processes. By effectively reducing turbidity through flocculation, aluminum sulfate helps improve water clarity and quality, making it an essential tool in stormwater and sediment control practices.