Which process increases the clarity of water by reducing particles?

Which process increases the clarity of water by reducing particles?

• A. Desalination
• B. Turbidity measurement
• C. Diatomaceous earth filtration
• D. Chlorination

Answer: (C)

The correct answer is diatomaceous earth filtration, as this process specifically targets the reduction of suspended particles to enhance the clarity of water. Diatomaceous earth is a natural, soft sedimentary rock that is crumbled into a fine powder and is effective in trapping particles when used as a filter medium. It operates on the principle of depth filtration, where water passes through a layer of diatomaceous earth, allowing impurities, such as sediment, algae, and other particulates, to be captured. This results in significantly clearer water, making it a popular choice in various water treatment applications. In contrast, desalination is primarily focused on removing salts and other dissolved solids from seawater or brackish water to produce fresh water, which does not directly address the clarity of the water. Turbidity measurement is a process used to assess the level of cloudiness or turbidity in water but does not affect or improve the clarity itself. Chlorination is a disinfection method that kills bacteria and other pathogens but does not inherently improve clarity by removing particulate matter. Thus, diatomaceous earth filtration stands out as the method that directly increases water clarity through particle reduction.

The correct answer is diatomaceous earth filtration, as this process specifically targets the reduction of suspended particles to enhance the clarity of water. Diatomaceous earth is a natural, soft sedimentary rock that is crumbled into a fine powder and is effective in trapping particles when used as a filter medium. It operates on the principle of depth filtration, where water passes through a layer of diatomaceous earth, allowing impurities, such as sediment, algae, and other particulates, to be captured. This results in significantly clearer water, making it a popular choice in various water treatment applications.

In contrast, desalination is primarily focused on removing salts and other dissolved solids from seawater or brackish water to produce fresh water, which does not directly address the clarity of the water. Turbidity measurement is a process used to assess the level of cloudiness or turbidity in water but does not affect or improve the clarity itself. Chlorination is a disinfection method that kills bacteria and other pathogens but does not inherently improve clarity by removing particulate matter. Thus, diatomaceous earth filtration stands out as the method that directly increases water clarity through particle reduction.