The effluent quality from properly operated lagoons is comparable to that achieved by conventional secondary treatment.  The addition of a coagulant to an existing lagoon works quite well within many existing lagoon configurations and results in more consistent discharge regulation compliance.  In lagoon treatment, the use of a coagulant can aid in the control of phosphorus, biological oxygen demand compounds (BOD), and total suspended solids (TSS). They can be fed on a continuous or batch basis.

The factors that affect the actual dose of coagulant required to attain a specific water quality, i.e. phosphorus level, include alkalinity, pH, ionic constituents, fluoride, sodium, total suspended solids, microorganisms, and the intensity of mixing and other physical conditions in the treatment facility