Introduction and Theory

We are trying to replicate the film formation on the surface of the water in Aguaclara plant, which is found in Honduras and determine the causes of the film formation.

List of Parameters

In our rapid mix experiment we plan to vary the following independent variables:

• Alum Dosage
• Turbidity
• The Location of the alum addition

Experimental Design

• We are first testing the alum dosage to determine whether it is the cause of the film formation. We will use the following dosages of alum (35 mg/L, 45 mg/L, 55 mg/L, 65 mg/L).

• We hypothesize that as the alum dosage increases there will be an increase in the formation of the surface film.

• We also are testing to the effect of natural organic matter (NOM) on film formation. We hypothesize that as the turbidity of the water increases so will the film formation.

• The film formation may not be due to the alum dosage or the turbidity, it may in fact be due to the location that the alum is added to the system; above water surface vs below water surface. We hypothesize that the film formation will be greater when the alum is applied to the surface of the water.

• For all of the experiments conducted we will take pictures at 10 minute intervals of the surface of the water to determine if there is film formation.