Flocculation of river silt using chitosan

Flocculation of silt in river water using chitosan was studied in the pH range 4–9, and suspended solid concentrations in the range 20–80 mg/L. Chitosan effectively reduces turbidity due to silt by flocculation and settling. Flocculation efficiency is very sensitive to pH, and reaches a maximum at pH 7. The optimal chitosan concentration required to effect flocculation is 0.5 mg/L and is independent of silt concentration within the range examined. Restabilisation of the suspension is observed at higher concentrations of chitosan, and the amount required for restabilisation increases with increasing concentration of suspended solids. Flocculation is faster at higher concentrations of silt and the flocs are large and fibrous.