What does the process of coagulation help to achieve in water treatment?

What does the process of coagulation help to achieve in water treatment?

• A. Increase mineral content
• B. Enhance water clarity
• C. Remove suspended particles
• D. Lower the pH of water

Answer: (C)

Coagulation is a crucial process in water treatment designed primarily to remove suspended particles from water. During coagulation, chemicals known as coagulants (such as aluminum sulfate or ferric chloride) are added to the water. These coagulants destabilize the particles by neutralizing their charges, which encourages them to clump together into larger aggregates or floc. As these larger masses form, they become easier to remove through subsequent processes like sedimentation or filtration. By removing suspended particles, coagulation enhances overall water quality, helping to eliminate turbid materials, microorganisms, and other contaminants that can affect the safety and aesthetic aspects of water. This process is fundamental in both drinking water and wastewater treatment systems, ensuring that the final product meets health and safety standards. Although coagulation can also contribute indirectly to clearer water, the primary goal aligns with the removal of suspended particles, which in turn enhances water quality. Other options, such as increasing mineral content or lowering pH, do not accurately describe the effects of coagulation.

Coagulation is a crucial process in water treatment designed primarily to remove suspended particles from water. During coagulation, chemicals known as coagulants (such as aluminum sulfate or ferric chloride) are added to the water. These coagulants destabilize the particles by neutralizing their charges, which encourages them to clump together into larger aggregates or floc. As these larger masses form, they become easier to remove through subsequent processes like sedimentation or filtration.

By removing suspended particles, coagulation enhances overall water quality, helping to eliminate turbid materials, microorganisms, and other contaminants that can affect the safety and aesthetic aspects of water. This process is fundamental in both drinking water and wastewater treatment systems, ensuring that the final product meets health and safety standards. Although coagulation can also contribute indirectly to clearer water, the primary goal aligns with the removal of suspended particles, which in turn enhances water quality. Other options, such as increasing mineral content or lowering pH, do not accurately describe the effects of coagulation.