The only foam that can be reliably diagnosed through visual observation alone is foam related to undergraded surfactants. The term “surfactants” is extremely broad, and it is important to note that surfactants can vary significantly in relation to their chemical properties as well as their potential impact on treatment processes.
Brief description of foaming mechanicsSurface tension values of less than 60 dynes per centimeter are often correlated with the presence of surfactants. Surfactants contain a hydrophilic (water-loving) head and a hydrophobic (water-repelling) tail which causes a decrease in the surface tension. At lower surface tension values, air easily disperses into small
