The present work compares several coagulants (alum, ferric chloride, ferric sulfate, and aluminum hydrochloride - each by itself or with cationic polymers) applied to in line downflowing direct filtration, as to their effectiveness in reducing apparent color, turbidity, and phytoplankton. The tests were carried out in static reactors and in a pilot unit, using natural water drawn from the reservoir of a water treatment plant. Coagulants used in dosages recommended for direct filtration yielded values of apparent color and turbidity that complied with Brazilian government regulations. There was no significant difference among them in either bench or pilot scale at a 95% reliability interval.
Coagulation; direct filtration; water treatment
