Theory 054/Water & Sanitation
Coagulation Is a Charge Threshold
The claim
Optimal coagulant dose is set by the charge neutralisation point rather than by turbidity, so a clearer water can need more coagulant.
01The mechanism
Colloids stabilise by surface charge; dose must reach neutralisation regardless of how many particles are present.
02Predictions
- P1Dose should track charge demand, not turbidity.
- P2Clear high-charge water should need more coagulant.
03Refutation
Dose tracking turbidity would remove the charge mechanism.