flocculation

American  

[flahk-yuh-lay-shuhn] / flɑk yəˈleɪ ʃən /

noun

1. Chemistry. the process of forming or being formed into flocculant masses, especially the aggregation of suspended clay particles as useful for improving the plasticity of the clay.

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flocculation Scientific  

/ flŏk′yə-lā′shən /

1. The process by which individual particles of clay aggregate into clotlike masses or precipitate into small lumps. Flocculation occurs as a result of a chemical reaction between the clay particles and another substance, usually salt water.

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Other Word Forms

• deflocculation noun
• reflocculation noun

Example Sentences

The sprayed clay technique, called flocculation, was most recently used by Sarasota’s Mote Marine Laboratory in 2018 to combat saltwater red tide, which is also caused by a toxin-producing microorganism.

From Washington Times • Sep. 19, 2020

At the Fort Peck water treatment plant, Missouri River water goes through a multi-step process including chemical treatment, coagulation, flocculation, maturation, sedimentation, clarification and disinfection.

From The Guardian • Aug. 30, 2018

Harvesting typically involves separation of the algae by sedimentation or flocculation, followed by filtration or centrifugation to remove the unwanted water.

From Nature • Aug. 15, 2012

Algal strains can also be engineered such that the addition of a polymer or a change in an environmental variable triggers flocculation.

From Nature • Aug. 15, 2012

It caused such flocculation of the fine particles in their stiff soils that physical condition was improved, and it made the organic matter in the soil quickly available as plant-food.

From Crops and Methods for Soil Improvement by Agee, Alva