Synonyms
Agglomeration; Aggregation; Coagulation; Peptization; Suspension
Definition
Flocculation – process during which particles, for example, of a soil, dispersed in a solution contact and adhere each another, forming clusters, flocks, flakes, or clumps of a larger size. The term originates from the word “floc,” which is the flake of precipitate that comes out of solution. The floc may float to the top or settle to the bottom of the liquid, as well can be readily filtered from the liquid. Flocculation is synonymous with agglomeration and coagulation.
Dispersion – a system in which solid or liquid particles are dispersed in a continuous phase (liquid, gas, or even solid) of different composition. In soils dispersion occurs when a soil contains clays. When such a soil is wetted the clay particles are detached from each other and form dispersion, that is, separation of the soil into single particles occurs.
Introduction
Various physicochemical processes take place in soil–water...
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Chibowski, E. (2011). Flocculation and Dispersion Phenomena in Soils. In: Gliński, J., Horabik, J., Lipiec, J. (eds) Encyclopedia of Agrophysics. Encyclopedia of Earth Sciences Series. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-90-481-3585-1_59
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