What important function does coagulation serve in the water treatment process?

What important function does coagulation serve in the water treatment process?

• A. It enhances filtration efficiency
• B. It removes color and odor
• C. It helps in the removal of particulate matter
• D. It increases microbial activity

Answer: (C)

Coagulation plays a crucial role in water treatment by helping to remove particulate matter. This process involves adding coagulants, such as alum or ferric chloride, to the water. These substances neutralize the charge on colloidal particles, allowing them to clump together into larger aggregates called flocs. As these flocs form, they can be more easily removed from the water during subsequent processes, such as sedimentation and filtration. By effectively removing particles that can cause turbidity, coagulation directly improves the clarity and quality of water. This enhancement is vital for producing potable water and reducing potential health risks associated with contaminants that may be present in suspended particles. The removal of particulate matter through coagulation also sets the stage for more efficient filtration, as fewer particles in the water reduce the load on the filters. Filtering out large particles is essential, but coagulation's primary function is the aggregation and subsequent removal of that particulate matter that might otherwise remain suspended in the water.

Coagulation plays a crucial role in water treatment by helping to remove particulate matter. This process involves adding coagulants, such as alum or ferric chloride, to the water. These substances neutralize the charge on colloidal particles, allowing them to clump together into larger aggregates called flocs. As these flocs form, they can be more easily removed from the water during subsequent processes, such as sedimentation and filtration.

By effectively removing particles that can cause turbidity, coagulation directly improves the clarity and quality of water. This enhancement is vital for producing potable water and reducing potential health risks associated with contaminants that may be present in suspended particles. The removal of particulate matter through coagulation also sets the stage for more efficient filtration, as fewer particles in the water reduce the load on the filters.

Filtering out large particles is essential, but coagulation's primary function is the aggregation and subsequent removal of that particulate matter that might otherwise remain suspended in the water.