Why is aluminum monitored in water treatment processes?

Monitoring aluminum in water treatment processes is primarily concerned with its role as an indicator of filtration efficiency. When aluminum compounds are used in water treatment, they serve as coagulants, helping to aggregate and remove impurities and particulates from water. The presence of aluminum in the treated water can signal whether the filtration system is functioning effectively.

If high levels of aluminum are detected in the treated water, it may indicate that the filtration system is not adequately removing residual coagulants, which could compromise water quality. Therefore, monitoring aluminum helps ensure that the filtration processes are working correctly and that the water meets safety standards for consumption.

While aluminum can play roles in other aspects of water treatment, such as acting in certain ways to enhance sedimentation, its primary significance in monitoring relates to its ability to indicate the performance of the filtration system.