What is coagulation in the context of water treatment?

Coagulation in the context of water treatment involves both the formation of larger clumps from tiny particles and the neutralization of particle charges in water.

During the coagulation process, chemicals known as coagulants are added to the water. These coagulants, such as aluminum sulfate or ferric chloride, have positive charges that help neutralize the negative charges of suspended particles. When the charges are neutralized, the tiny particles that were once repelled by each other start to come together, forming larger aggregates or clumps. This process is crucial because smaller particles often remain suspended in water and cannot be removed effectively by sedimentation alone.

Once these larger clumps are formed through coagulation, the subsequent processes, such as flocculation and sedimentation, can effectively remove these aggregates from the water, improving its clarity and quality for further treatment or distribution. Therefore, recognizing coagulation as a combination of forming larger clumps and neutralizing charges provides a comprehensive understanding of its role in the water treatment process.