This is a recommendation for an award to support research on fundamental factors that affect the efficiency of the process by which small discrete particles suspended in water and wastewater agglomerate to form more readily settleable masses. Almost all systems for treatment of water and many for treatment of wastewater involve the addition of chemical agents to produce a precipitate that acts as a flocculating agent, the activity of which is affected by engineering design of the basin within which the agglomeration is conducted. Results of this research may be applied to improvement of the design of these basins to maximize the agglomeration, minimize the amount of chemicals used and energy required for mixing, and improve the performance of this process. This project's objectives are consistent with those of the Environmental Engineering Program and the investigator's qualifications are appropriate for the work to be done. Award is recommended as a 2-year Continuing Grant, the initial increment of which is for $62,265 for 12 months starting on January l, 1987.
