1 WATER SOLUBLE POLYMERS USEFUL IN SOLIDS/LIQUIDS SEPARATION OR FLUID VISCOSITY MODIFICATION OPERATIONS, INCLUDING POTABLE AND RAW WATER CLARIFACTION, MUNICIPAL WASTE DEWATERING, REFINING WASTE TREATMENT, PULP AND PAPER WASTE TREATMENT, PAPERMAKING RETENTION AND DRAINAGE, FLUID FLOW ACCELERATION, MINE WATER CLARIFICATION, OIL FIELD WASTE WATER RECOVERY, OIL FORMATION FLUID FLOW PROFILE MODIFICATION, AND SOLIDS/LIQUIDS SEPARATION IN FOOD OR BIOLOGICAL PROCESSING