FLOC

A flocculent mass that is formed in the accumulation of suspended particles. It can occur naturally, but is usually induced in order to be able to remove certain particles from wastewater. It consists of finely divided suspended particles in a larger, usually gelatinous particle, the result of physical attraction or adhesion to a coagulant compound. Flocs are formed from a combination of suspended materials in the raw water together with adsorbed and precipitated solids gained via coagulation. Flocs help to remove impurities from water during water clarification.