Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 1, 2026

Controlling the Size, Shape and Stability of Supramolecular Polymers in Water
Published on: August 2, 2012
Remember the water--a comment on EPS colligative properties
K Keiding1, L Wybrandt, P H Nielsen
1Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Aalborg University, Sohngaardsholmsvej 57, DK-9000, Aalborg, Denmark. i5kk@civil.auc.dk
Abstract:
The relationship between water and activated sludge components was examined. Reevaluation of published data on freezing point depression, drying rates and dewatering has been performed. The basis of this has been the assumption that the water/sludge relationship is considered to be a colligative effect. Since the results indicate this to be the case, we suggest that the published concepts of "pools of water" are false. Data on swelling properties of EPS as a function of pH suggests that the colligative properties are largely determined by the counterions of charged polymers and surfaces.
Related Concept Videos
Cohesion
On a surface,...
Osmosis and Osmotic Pressure of Solutions
Electrolytes: van't Hoff Factor
Role of Water in Human Biology
Water's Solvent Properties
Since water is a polar molecule with slightly positive and slightly negative charges, ions and polar molecules can readily dissolve in it. Therefore, it is referred to as a solvent, a...
Solubility Equilibria: Ionic Product of Water
The ionic product of water varies with temperature, and its value is 1.0 x 10−14 at standard experimental conditions. Per Le Chatelier's...
Colligative Properties

