What is Physical-Chemical Treatment of Wastewater?

Wastewater from municipal and industrial sources contains a wide range of pollutants that must be removed before discharge or reuse. While biological methods are widely used, physical-chemical treatment of wastewater is essential for handling non-biodegradable contaminants, suspended solids, and pathogens. 

This approach combines the physical treatment of wastewater with chemical reactions to achieve efficient purification.

What Is Wastewater Treatment and Where Is It Used?

Wastewater treatment refers to the processes used to remove contaminants from water generated by homes, industries, and commercial facilities. The goal is to produce an effluent that meets environmental standards or is suitable for reuse.

There are three primary types of wastewater:

Municipal wastewater (from households and communities)

Industrial wastewater (from manufacturing, chemical production, etc.)

Stormwater runoff (from roads, roofs, and urban surfaces)

Industries that rely heavily on effective wastewater treatment include:

Chemical manufacturing

Food and beverage processing

Pharmaceuticals

Mining and metallurgy

Textile and dyeing

Oil and gas refining

Power generation

These industries generate complex effluents containing heavy metals, organics, oil, suspended solids, and toxic compounds—often requiring more than biological treatment.

Why Physical Chemical Treatment?

While biological treatment is effective for organic matter removal, it struggles with heavy metals, colorants, refractory organics, and pathogens. This is where physical chemical treatment steps in. It applies a range of physicochemical techniques—including coagulation, oxidation, pH adjustment, and disinfection—to target pollutants that resist biodegradation. It also offers faster response time, better control, and higher efficiency for specific contaminants.

At TJCY, we support wastewater treatment facilities with tailored chemical products that enhance each stage of the process—ensuring compliance, environmental safety, and operational efficiency.

At TJCY, we provide a full range of water treatment chemicals to support each step of the physical chemical treatment of the wastewater process.

Main Stages and Our Recommended Chemicals

1. Coagulation and Flocculation

This is the initial chemical stage in which colloidal particles are destabilized and aggregated to form flocs that can settle or float.

✅ Our product:

Poly Aluminium Chloride (PAC) — CAS: 1327-41-9

A widely used coagulant for removing turbidity, suspended solids, and organic matter. Ideal for municipal and industrial water treatment.

2. Oxidation and Reduction

Oxidation processes help in breaking down harmful organic compounds and neutralizing certain inorganic substances like sulfides and iron.

✅ Our product:

Sodium Chlorite — CAS: 7758-19-2

A strong oxidizing agent effective in the removal of phenols, sulfides, and other stubborn pollutants. It is also used as a precursor for chlorine dioxide generation.

3. Chelation and Scale Control

Some heavy metals and hardness ions require complexation or chelation for effective removal. We offer a range of phosphonate and organic acid-based chelating agents.

✅ Our products:

Aminotris(methylenephosphonic acid) (ATMP) — CAS: 6419-19-8

A strong chelating agent that binds metal ions and prevents scale formation. Also provides corrosion inhibition in water systems.

2-Phosphonobutane-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid (PBTCA) — CAS: 37971-36-1

Combines chelation and scale inhibition properties, especially effective under high-temperature conditions.

Polyacrylic Acid (PAA) — CAS: 9003-01-4

Functions as a dispersant and scale inhibitor, especially effective against calcium phosphate and iron scales.

Sodium Tripolyphosphate (STPP) — CAS: 7758-29-4

Binds metal ions and softens hard water, improving the efficiency of detergent and treatment processes.

4. Disinfection

After solid and chemical contaminants are removed, microbial pathogens are neutralized to make water safe for discharge or reuse.

✅ Our products:

Tetrahydroxymethyl Phosphonium Sulfate (THPS) — CAS: 55566-30-8

A fast-acting, environmentally friendly biocide effective against a broad range of bacteria and algae.

Trichloroisocyanuric Acid (TCCA) — CAS: 87-90-1

A powerful and stable chlorine-based disinfectant used widely in municipal and industrial disinfection.

Benzalkonium Chloride (BKC) — CAS: 8001-54-5

A quaternary ammonium compound used for microbial control in water and surface sanitation.

Glutaraldehyde — CAS: 111-30-8

An effective biocide that disrupts microbial cell structures, widely used in industrial wastewater systems.

Potassium Monopersulfate Compound — CAS: 70693-62-8

A non-chlorine oxidant and disinfectant that ensures broad-spectrum microbial control with minimal byproducts.

TJCY – Your Partner in Sustainable Water Treatment

As a trusted exporter of high-quality chemical solutions, TJCY delivers proven products and expert support for your water treatment needs. From physical treatment of wastewater, such as sedimentation, to advanced physical chemical treatment involving oxidation, flocculation, and disinfection, we support a wide range of applications in municipal, industrial, and agricultural sectors.

Our portfolio ensures:

Stable supply and global shipping

Full regulatory documentation

Technical guidance for the application

Looking for reliable water treatment chemicals? Partner with TJCY for optimized performance and peace of mind！