Concerns about our environment have been rising over the last decade. The proper treatment of wastewater is taking the central stage across a wide range of industries. These include mining and food and beverage to name just a few. Are there any cost-effective and sustainable ways to treat wastewater?
Keep reading to find out why you should opt for natural polymers.
What Are Natural Polymers?
These are chains of molecules called monomers. Polymers come in two types: anionic (negative charge) and cationic (positive charge). Some examples of organic polymers that are most commonly used in wastewater treatment are:
- Cellulose
- Chitosan
- Tannins
- Lignin
- Gelatins
- Other Starch Derivatives
Natural polymers for water treatment are synthesized using starches, guar gum, gum acacia, locust bean gum, pectin, Strychnos potatorum, Moringa oleifera, and other non-plant components including alginates, carrageenan, chitin, chitosan, bacteria, algae, and fungi.
How Do Coagulants Clean Wastewater?
Water waste from various industries may contain a variety of contaminants such as plastics, leather, ink, linen, palm kernel, detergents, and pulp. These contaminants pose threats to living organisms and the environment.
When polymers are added to wastewater, they separate solids. This process is called flocculation. Separate solids are usually negatively charged. This keeps them from coming together, making it hard to remove them from wastewater. Think about how the same charge on the magnet can never come together.
Via coagulation, polymers neutralize the particles’ negative charge. This sets off the process of flocculation when the harmful solids start coming together forming micro-flocs. These are then easy to extract from the water once the micro-flocs turn into sludges at settling ponds, sludge ponds, clarifiers, or thickeners.
How to Choose the Right Polymer for Your Industry
Polymers come in two varieties: dry and liquid. When choosing one over the other, you should consider the equipment’s costs and your own budget, the amount of polymer your business needs, and the shelf life.
When it comes to choosing between anionic and cationic polymers, you should consider your industry first. Anionic polymers work best with inorganic solids such as clays and silts, which makes them a top choice for sand and gravel production, drilling, and mining.
Cationic polymers are most effective in settling organic solids such as animal waste or vegetation. That’s why if you are in charge of a municipal wastewater treatment plant, food processing company, and agricultural and dairy applications, you should opt for cationic polymers.
Why Choose Natural Polymers?
Natural coagulants offer such advantages as nontoxicity, low residual sludge production, and biodegradability. Not only are they environmentally friendly, but are also effective for use in a wide range of industries, including:
- Oil and Gas
- Food and Beverage
- Primary metal production
- And much more
Qemi International is a distributor of Greenfloc Natural products. These polymers are extremely versatile and manufactured in the USA which eliminates many supply chain issues and rising transportation costs.
At Qemi International, we strive to empower businesses with solutions that can help them stay environmentally friendly in our current age when climate change necessitates that each of us does what we can to slow it down. Contact us today to learn how our natural polymers can take your water treatment to the next level!