The effects of coagulation mechanism (as influenced by coagulant dosage, influent turbidity, and coagulation pH) on the thickening and dewatering characteristics of aluminum and ferric hydroxide sludges were examined. Sludge thickening and dewatering improved with a reduction in coagulation pH or coagulant dosage or with an increase in influent turbidity. Enmeshment coagulation produced a large floc with a high water content, resulting in poor water removal during dewatering. Adsorption-charge neutralization coagulation yielded a smaller but much denser floc, which corresponded to greater water removal from the sludge. Includes 13 references, tables, figures.