Is it true that PAC will not remove fluoride ions?

Polymeric aluminum coagulants (PAC) are commonly used in water treatment processes to remove suspended solids and some dissolved contaminants. However, their effectiveness in removing fluoride ions from water is limited. Fluoride ions are negatively charged and are not readily removed through coagulation and sedimentation process, which is where PAC is most effective.

The mechanism of fluoride removal generally requires ion exchange or specific removal technologies designed to target fluoride specifically, such as activated alumina or reverse osmosis. The reason why PAC is not effective for fluoride removal is primarily due to fluoride's small ionic radius and its ability to remain dissolved in water even when coagulation occurs.

In cases where PAC is used, it may not interact with fluoride ions in a way that facilitates their removal, leading to the conclusion that PAC will typically not remove fluoride ions from water effectively. The answer aligns with this understanding of PAC's capabilities in fluoride removal in water treatment systems.