Removal of three direct dyes (Direct Black 19, Direct Red 28, and Direct Blue 86) by coagulation with three different Al based coagulants was investigated. The main purpose of this paper is to examine the coagulation features of polymeric aluminum coagulants in treatment of dye-polluted waters and the emphasis was placed on the roles of preformed Al species, particularly Al-13. The performance of Al-13 in coagulation of dyes was observed through jar tests by comparing traditional Al salt, polyaluminum chloride (PACI), and purified Al-13. The results showed that under most cases All 3 had significantly higher efficiency in removal of direct dyes than traditional Al salt and commercial PAC] with the exception of Direct Red 28 removal under high pH range. The coagulation of direct dyes could be greatly affected by pH. Reducing pH was favorable for preformed Al species in a broad pH range. For traditional Al coagulant, efficient dye removal only occurred in a relatively narrow pH range of near 6.0. The outstanding coagulation behavior of Al-13 Could be ascribed to its high charge neutralization ability, relative stability and potential self-assembly tendency. (C) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.