Aluminum Sulfate (Alum) is inexpensive and effective for a broad range of treatment problems. It functions as a coagulant, flocculant, precipitant and emulsion breaker. As a coagulant and flocculant, alum removes turbidity, total organic carbon (TOC) which can be disinfection byproduct precursors, suspended solids and colloidal color, reduces biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and clarifies potable, process and wastewater.
Alum is widely used for lake restoration, treatment and nutrient inactivation. It also is used in the production of aluminum chemicals, fire extinguisher compounds, soil additives and fertilizer, soaps, greases, drugs and cosmetics. It even enters into the sports arena, as an additive to give major league baseball covers their hard, tough hides.