What is the full form of the term 'polymer' as used in water treatment?

In water treatment, the term 'polymer' primarily refers to polyelectrolytes, which are a type of polymer characterized by their ability to carry an electric charge. These substances consist of long chains of repeating units and can be anionic, cationic, or nonionic, depending on their ionic charge. Polyelectrolytes are commonly used in water treatment processes for coagulation and flocculation, enhancing the removal of suspended solids and impurities. Their charged nature allows them to attract and bind with particles in water, promoting the formation of larger aggregates that can be more easily removed from the water.

Other terms listed, such as polysaccharides, polymorphs, and polyvinyl chloride, refer to different substances or concepts. Polysaccharides are carbohydrates composed of sugar molecules and are not primarily used as flocculants in water treatment. Polymorphs refer to different crystal forms of a substance and have no direct connection to water treatment processes. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a synthetic plastic polymer commonly used in construction and piping but is not utilized in the same context as polyelectrolytes. Thus, polyelectrolytes are crucial for effective water treatment, making them the