Aluminum sulfate, or alum, has an affinity for phosphorus. In water, alum assumes a cotton-candy-like form, “a nice fluffy floc”. This floc (short for flocculation) grabs phosphorus and other particles as it settles to the bottom of the pond or lake, rapidly enhancing the clarity of the water.
There is an immediate impact. But quick clarity is just the beginning. Alum floc rests in the sediment and continues to bind phosphorus for years, even decades. Legacy phosphorus stays stuck in the sediment, starving potentially harmful algae in the pond.
Dosing lakes and ponds with alum is not a new practice—it was first tested in Sweden back in the 1960’s. But it is gaining popularity as water managers battle the specter of legacy phosphorus fueling algae blooms. More than 2,000 alum-treated lakes and ponds support a growing body of evidence for the efficacy. The science of alum has advanced substantially and continues to advance every year.
SPECIFICATIONS
General
Product Grade
TECHNICAL
Product Freezing Point
9 °F
Product Smells Like
SLIGHTLY ACIDIC
Product Formula
Al2(SO4)3
DOT Definition
UN3264, CORROSIVE LIQUID, ACIDIC, INORGANIC, N.O.S.(ALUMINUM SULFATE),8,PG III
Weight/Gallon
11.10000
Product Package
Plastic jar or plastic drum
Chemical Name
ALUMINUM SULFATE
Product Color
CLEAR
CAS Number
7732-18-5|10043-01-3
Product Physical State
LIQUID
Product is Restricted
NO
DIRECTIONS
COMING SOON
OPERATING CONDITIONS
COMING SOON
AVAILABILITY
COMING SOON
CAUTION
- Avoid direct skin contact.
- May cause irritation of the eyes.
- Ingestion may cause intestinal upset
FIRST AID
- Skin Contact: Wash affected area thoroughly with soap and water.
- Eye Contact: Flush thoroughly with water for 15 minutes
- Ingestion: Give two or more glasses of water or milk to drink. Do not induce vomiting.
See Material Safety Data Sheet for additional information.