Dr.
A.P. Black
An Environmental Engineering Scientist
His Contributions to Water Chemistry
Chemistry of Coagulation
Dr. Black‘s writings focused on, but were not limited to, water chemistry and treatment, including fluorides in water, the nature of organic color in water, basic mechanisms of coagulation, determination of low turbidities and the preparation of a turbidity standard, and the removal of radioisotopes from water by coagulation. In 1958, his research group introduced microelectrophoresis as a new analytical tool for the study of the basic mechanism of coagulation. This new and effective technique was utilized in many laboratories in the United States and elsewhere.
Dr. Black was also instrumental in contributing to topics such as the effectiveness of polyelectrolyte coagulant aids and the activity of silica gels. One of his first published works, in 1933, focused on the formation of floc using ferric coagulants in water treatment. He reported on the ways that natural waters containing sulfate, chloride, sodium, and calcium ions affected floc formation using ferric salts at differing pH levels.
In addition, he studied aluminum sulfate as a coagulant, and in 1933 presented a case for the standardization of jar test procedures to achieve accurate data for plant operations. He evaluated various stirring devices and argued for standardization of such factors as the sample size, container size and shape, mixing speed and time, and the criteria for optimum dosage.
Dr. Black was a true pioneer in the field of water softening. He helped increase public awareness of carbonate and noncarbonate hardness. In 1958, he elucidated the fine points of lime-soda softening and the use of calcium oxide for the treatment of hard water.
In the field of electrophoretic theory, Dr. Black’s contributions were unmatched in his time. He and his co-authors reported that electrophoresis (the movement of particles in an electric field) was a valuable tool for the better understanding of coagulation.
Chemistry
of Organic Matter >>
