Flocculation and de-flocculation of suspended matter in estuaries

摘要: Abstract Flocculation and de-flocculation have been observed in estuaries the processes involved are discussed. Salt flocculation plays a minor role, if any. Flocs mainly formed by combination of two groups processes: those bringing particles together, keeping them together. The first group is related to flow conditions water organisms that clog into faeces or pseudofaeces attach mucus. second formation sticky organic matter variety organisms. Two main types flocs observed: microflocs with diameter up 125 μm, macroflocs maximum size 3–4 mm. Microflocs consist mineral matter. Their strongly origin matter, producing it, (temporary) deposition resuspension. Mucopolysaccharides, produced bacteria, algae higher plants mobilized from suspended at low salinity, important glueing microflocs, together single particles, basic building units macroflocs. Macroflocs fragile under viscous flow. determined turbulent shear, smallest whirls on Kolmogorov scale being same order as floc size. They easily destroyed during sampling. In fluvial broken consuming reflocculated new newly estuarine origin. seen microscope analysis, likely be binding strength relation total mass physical disturbance sampling analysis.