What is the primary purpose of sedimentation in water treatment?

What is the primary purpose of sedimentation in water treatment?

• A. To disinfect water
• B. To remove dissolved solids
• C. To allow heavier particles to settle
• D. To add chemicals

Answer: (C)

The primary purpose of sedimentation in water treatment is to allow heavier particles to settle out of the water. This process involves the slowing down of the water flow in a designated area (such as a sedimentation basin) to provide enough time for larger and denser particles, including suspended solids, organic matter, and other particulates, to gravitate downwards due to gravity. As these particles settle, the clarity of the water improves, reducing the load on subsequent treatment processes, such as filtration. Sedimentation is an essential step in the water treatment process because it efficiently decreases turbidity, which can be crucial for effective disinfection and overall water quality before further treatment stages. While disinfecting water, removing dissolved solids, and adding chemicals are important aspects of water treatment, they do not describe the function of sedimentation, which specifically targets the reduction of suspended solids by settling.

The primary purpose of sedimentation in water treatment is to allow heavier particles to settle out of the water. This process involves the slowing down of the water flow in a designated area (such as a sedimentation basin) to provide enough time for larger and denser particles, including suspended solids, organic matter, and other particulates, to gravitate downwards due to gravity.

As these particles settle, the clarity of the water improves, reducing the load on subsequent treatment processes, such as filtration. Sedimentation is an essential step in the water treatment process because it efficiently decreases turbidity, which can be crucial for effective disinfection and overall water quality before further treatment stages.

While disinfecting water, removing dissolved solids, and adding chemicals are important aspects of water treatment, they do not describe the function of sedimentation, which specifically targets the reduction of suspended solids by settling.