The success of gravity separation of activated sludge from a treated effluent depends on the flocculent nature of the mixed liquor entering the secondary clarifier. Despite its importance to the overall effectiveness of the activated sludge process, flocculation phenomena are not routinely considered in the design and operation of the process. Further optimization of the activated sludge process to meet higher performance demands requires that the competing reactions of floc aggregation and breakup be maximized and minimized, respectively. Accordingly, the goal of this study was to develop an improved understanding of activated sludge flocculation.