Acrylamide is an organic solid of white, odorless, flake-like crystals.
The greatest use of acrylamide is as a coagulant aid in drinking water treatment. Demand for acrylamide in the early 1990s was about 120 million pounds. The main source of concern for acrylamide in drinking water is from its use as a clarifier during water treatment. When added to water, it coagulates and traps suspended solids for easier removal. However, some acrylamide does not coagulate and remains in the water as a contaminant.