Proteins and humic substances (HS) interact during coagulation.
The interactions between proteins and HS lead to a decrease in coagulant demand.
The optimum pH for the removal of proteins and HS by alum ranges between 5.5 and 6.2.
Proteins and HS coagulate in the absence of coagulant at pH < 4.
Bovine serum albumin is a suitable model for proteins of Microcystis aeruginosa.