What is bentonite clay commonly used for?

Bentonite clay is primarily known for its properties of swelling, adsorption, and its ability to form a gel-like mass when mixed with water. This makes it particularly effective as a weighting agent in flocculation processes, where it helps to stabilize and enhance the formation of flocs, which are aggregates of particles that sediment out of water. In addition to acting as a weighting agent, bentonite can serve as a coagulant aid, improving the efficiency of coagulants in water treatment by facilitating the removal of suspended solids and targeting dissolved contaminants.

This dual role of bentonite clay in water treatment processes helps in achieving cleaner water through improved sedimentation and filtration. While other materials may have specific applications, such as being used outright as coagulants or filtration media, the unique properties of bentonite clay make it a valuable component in conjunction with other treatment methods.