Which two flocculant chemicals are the most common for controlling turbidity in water?

The selection of Anionic Polyacrylamide (PAM) and Aluminum Sulfate (Alum) as the most common flocculant chemicals for controlling turbidity in water is well-founded. Anionic Polyacrylamide is a synthetic polymer that effectively facilitates the aggregation of suspended particles in water, making it particularly effective in forming flocs that settle out from the water column, thereby reducing turbidity. This property is crucial in various applications such as construction site runoff management and wastewater treatment.

Aluminum Sulfate, or Alum, is a traditional coagulant that has been used for many years in water treatment processes. It works by neutralizing the charges on small particles in water, allowing them to clump together and form larger aggregates that can then be easily removed. Because of its proven efficacy and historical use, Alum remains a staple in practices aimed at controlling turbidity.

In contrast, the other options present chemicals that either do not serve as effective flocculants or are not primarily used for controlling turbidity. Sodium Chloride and Calcium Carbonate, for example, do not possess the necessary properties to significantly affect the coagulation or flocculation of particulates in water. Calcium Sulfate and Potassium Perm