Water and Wastewater Terms Beginning C

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W Y Z

chelation (key-LAY-shun)

A chemical complexing (forming or joining together) of metallic cations with certain organic compounds, such as ethylene diamine tetracetic acid (EDTA). Chelation is used to prevent the precipitation of metals. Also see sequestration.