How are suspended solids primarily removed from water?

Suspended solids in water are primarily removed through the processes of coagulation and sedimentation, followed by filtration.

Coagulation involves adding chemicals to the water, which cause small particles to clump together, or coagulate, into larger aggregates. These larger particles are more easily removed from the water. Once coagulation has occurred, sedimentation allows these aggregates to settle at the bottom of a tank due to gravity. This process significantly reduces the concentration of suspended solids in the water.

After sedimentation, filtration is often employed to capture any remaining finer particles that may still be suspended in the water. Filtration can be achieved through various media, such as sand or other materials, ensuring that the water is clear of suspended solids before it moves on to further treatment or distribution.

This combination of coagulation, sedimentation, and filtration is effective and widely used in water treatment processes to ensure that water is sufficiently purified for safe consumption or other uses.