Water and Wastewater Terms Beginning P

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

polyelectrolyte (POLY-ee-LECK-tro-lite)

A high-molecular-weight substance that can carry positive or negatice electrical charges. It can be formed through natural or synthetic processes. Natural polyelectrolytes may have biological sources or be derived from starch products or cellulose. Synthetic polyelectrolytes are created by chemically converting simple substances into complex, high-molecular-weight compounds. These substances are commonly used with other chemical coagulants to aid in binding small, suspended particles to larger chemical flocs for their removal from water. Also see polymer.