During which process are larger particles formed from smaller particles in water treatment?

During which process are larger particles formed from smaller particles in water treatment?

• A. Coagulation
• B. Sedimentation
• C. Flocculation
• D. Filtration

Answer: (C)

In water treatment, the process where larger particles are formed from smaller particles is known as flocculation. This occurs after coagulation, where chemicals are added to water to destabilize small particles, allowing them to aggregate. During flocculation, gentle mixing helps these destabilized particles collide and stick together, forming larger aggregates called flocs. These flocs are easier to remove from the water during subsequent processes, such as sedimentation or filtration. In contrast, sedimentation is the process where those larger flocs settle due to gravity, and filtration involves passing water through a medium to remove suspended particles. Thus, flocculation is essential for enhancing the efficiency of these later processes by creating larger, removable aggregates.

In water treatment, the process where larger particles are formed from smaller particles is known as flocculation. This occurs after coagulation, where chemicals are added to water to destabilize small particles, allowing them to aggregate. During flocculation, gentle mixing helps these destabilized particles collide and stick together, forming larger aggregates called flocs.

These flocs are easier to remove from the water during subsequent processes, such as sedimentation or filtration. In contrast, sedimentation is the process where those larger flocs settle due to gravity, and filtration involves passing water through a medium to remove suspended particles. Thus, flocculation is essential for enhancing the efficiency of these later processes by creating larger, removable aggregates.