Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 27, 2026

Procedure to Evaluate the Efficiency of Flocculants for the Removal of Dispersed Particles from Plant Extracts
Published on: April 9, 2016
Characterization of pig slurry with reference to flocculation and separation.
Morten Lykkegaard Christensen1, Maibritt Hjorth, Kristian Keiding
1Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Aalborg University, Sohngaardsholmsvej 57, 9000 Aalborg, Denmark.
Manure separation concentrates nutrients for easier export. Physicochemical properties show polymer doses depend on dry matter, and pH controls phosphorus levels in pig manure.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Agricultural Engineering
- Biogeochemistry
Background:
- Concentrated pig production necessitates efficient nutrient management.
- Manure separation is key for exporting excess nutrients and managing farm waste.
- Understanding manure's physicochemical properties is crucial for effective separation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the physicochemical properties of pig manure relevant to flocculation and separation.
- To determine factors influencing nutrient concentration and recovery during manure separation.
- To assess the impact of storage and pH on manure composition and separation efficacy.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of pig manure from three farms stored at 13°C for 3 months.
- Examination of organic pools, particle charges, and nutrient fractions.
- Evaluation of polymer flocculation and pH adjustment for separation.
Main Results:
- Manure organic pools remained stable during storage, indicating low microbial activity and minor storage impact on separation.
- Manure contained highly charged particles, suggesting polymer dose can be based on dry matter content.
- High-molecular-weight cationic polymers are suitable for flocculation, and high pH retains phosphorus in the solids fraction.
Conclusions:
- Manure separation is feasible and influenced by particle charge and dry matter content.
- Polymer selection and dosage can be optimized based on manure dry matter.
- pH adjustment is an effective strategy for controlling dissolved phosphorus in separated manure.
Related Concept Videos
Coagulation
Colloidal precipitates
The Colloidal State
Biological Treatment of Effluent and Waste Water
Factors Affecting Solubility
Colloids

