The determination of whether a process is adsorption or coagulation-flocculation depends on the underlying mechanism of contaminant removal.

Adsorption is a surface-based process where contaminants in a fluid are removed by binding to the surface of an adsorbent material, such as activated carbon, zeolites, or clay minerals. In adsorption, the contaminants are physically trapped on the surface of the adsorbent, and the process is influenced by factors such as the size, charge, and polarity of the contaminants, as well as the properties of the adsorbent material.

Coagulation-flocculation, on the other hand, involves the aggregation of particles in a fluid to form larger particles, which can then be separated by sedimentation or filtration. In coagulation-flocculation, the contaminants are in the form of suspended solids or colloidal particles, and the process relies on the addition of coagulants, such as alum or iron salts, to destabilize the particles and cause them to aggregate.

To determine whether a process is adsorption or coagulation-flocculation, it is necessary to analyze the nature of the contaminants and the mechanism of removal. If the contaminants are physically trapped on a solid surface, the process is likely adsorption. If the contaminants are aggregated into larger particles that can be separated by sedimentation or filtration, the process is likely coagulation-flocculation. Additionally, the presence of coagulants or other chemicals used to destabilize particles can indicate that the process is coagulation-flocculation.

Its fairly probable that you are using coagulants for your process, since you mention that you are stirring the water along with the addition of the chemical compounds. Also, another clue is the precipitation (particles going down) of the treated pollutants, supposedly from suspension (dissolved with the water) becoming sedimentation. This is only possible in the coagulation process, since adsorption is very unlikely will include adsorbants that are hydrophilic (water loving) and same density (thus making them in suspension state). Muhammad Syukri Abd Rahman

I agree completely with @Muhammad Rumi Azahari. The process is completely Coagulation-flocculation judging from the methodology described. The mechanism behind the water clarify could occur via Adsorption and interparticle bridging mechanism, and by sweep-emeshment causing the heavy flocs to settle at the bottom. The process describe is physio-chemical. The disappearance of the contaminant cause clarity to improved is probably reduction in turbidity. Particle settling to the bottom suggests that aggregation of the colloids present in solution occurs. Leaving the solution for sometime after stirring indicates flocculation occured followed by settling of flocs with were formed from conversion of soluble and insoluble particulates that affects clarity of water. Sir, the method described is Coagulation-flocculation while the mechanism which the treatment process occurs via Adsorption and charge neutralization mechanism. Settling effect was probably via intra-partilce bridging and enmeshment. The contaminants removed are probably suspended solids and colloidal particles causing turbidity which are established contaminants that affects water clarity. The suspended solids settled to the bottom and turbidity disappears.

Dear Muhammad Syukri Abd Rahman:

There is a Turkish nursery rhyme:

Kestane, kebap

Acele cevap.

So I will give you a short and concise answer to other readers:

The basis of adsorption is the adhesion force (between the adsorber and the adsorbent).The basis of coagulation and flocculation is the cohasion force (between the atom & molecule of the substance to be precipitated).

Determining whether a wastewater treatment process is based on adsorption or coagulation-flocculation involves understanding the underlying mechanisms and characteristics of each process. Here are some key points to help differentiate between the two:

To determine whether a wastewater treatment process is adsorption or coagulation-flocculation, consider the following factors:

By considering these factors and the specific characteristics of the treatment process, you can differentiate between adsorption and coagulation-flocculation methods for wastewater treatment.