At what stage is powdered activated carbon typically added during water treatment?

At what stage is powdered activated carbon typically added during water treatment?

• A. After sedimentation
• B. Before the normal coagulation-flocculation step
• C. During filtration
• D. After disinfection

Answer: (B)

Powdered activated carbon (PAC) is typically added before the normal coagulation-flocculation step in the water treatment process. This stage is crucial because the addition of PAC at this point allows for the adsorption of various organic compounds, chemicals, and impurities that may be present in the raw water. By introducing PAC early, it can effectively bind with these substances, which enhances their removal during subsequent treatment processes. Additionally, adding PAC before coagulation helps in improving the overall efficiency of the coagulation process itself. It can assist in creating larger flocs during coagulation, which further aids in the removal of contaminants during sedimentation and filtration stages. Therefore, incorporating PAC at the right time is essential to optimize water treatment and ensure high-quality water output. The other stages, such as after sedimentation, during filtration, or after disinfection, do not provide similar benefits and may result in reduced effectiveness in treating the water. Thus, understanding the correct timing for adding powdered activated carbon is vital for effective water treatment processes.

Powdered activated carbon (PAC) is typically added before the normal coagulation-flocculation step in the water treatment process. This stage is crucial because the addition of PAC at this point allows for the adsorption of various organic compounds, chemicals, and impurities that may be present in the raw water. By introducing PAC early, it can effectively bind with these substances, which enhances their removal during subsequent treatment processes.

Additionally, adding PAC before coagulation helps in improving the overall efficiency of the coagulation process itself. It can assist in creating larger flocs during coagulation, which further aids in the removal of contaminants during sedimentation and filtration stages. Therefore, incorporating PAC at the right time is essential to optimize water treatment and ensure high-quality water output.

The other stages, such as after sedimentation, during filtration, or after disinfection, do not provide similar benefits and may result in reduced effectiveness in treating the water. Thus, understanding the correct timing for adding powdered activated carbon is vital for effective water treatment processes.