Flocculation of kaolinite suspensions in water by chitosan

Flocculation of kaolinite suspensions in water using chitosan was studied in the pH range 5-9 and the turbidity ranging from 10 to 160 NTU. Chitosan, in presence of trace quantities of a substance present in aqueous soil extracts, effectively reduces turbidity due to kaolinite by flocculation and settling. Flocculation efficiency is very sensitive to pH. and reaches a maximum at pH 7.5. The optimal chitosan concentration required to effect flocculation is independent of kaolinite concentration within the range examined. Flocculation is faster at higher concentrations of kaolinite and the floes are large and settle rapidly. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.