| Mechanism type | Coagulant type | |
| Inorganic coagulants | Organic coagulants | |
| Double layer compression | Occasionally | Not applicable |
| Adsorption-charge neutralization | Dominant | Happens with cationic polymers |
| Interparticle bridging | Not applicable | Dominant |
| Colloidal entrapment (sweep floc) | Occasionally | Not applicable |