Which method is often used to remove organic matter from water?

The method of coagulation is specifically utilized in water treatment processes to remove organic matter and other contaminants from water. During coagulation, chemicals known as coagulants are added to the water. These coagulants neutralize the charges of suspended particles, allowing them to cluster together and form larger aggregates, or flocs. This process effectively reduces the turbidity of water and facilitates the removal of organic matter, microorganisms, and other impurities when the flocs are subsequently removed through sedimentation or filtration.

Coagulation is particularly beneficial in treating water with high levels of suspended solids or organic materials, making it an essential technique in the initial stages of water purification. It helps prepare the water for further treatment processes like sedimentation and filtration, ultimately leading to cleaner, safer drinking water.

While reverse osmosis, distillation, and ozonation can also be effective in removing various contaminants, their primary applications differ. Reverse osmosis is a membrane filtration process primarily used for desalination, distillation involves heating water to create vapor and then condensing it back into liquid, which is more effective for separating solvents, and ozonation introduces ozone into the water for oxidation, targeting microorganisms and some specific organic pollutants. However, coagulation stands out as a foundational method for managing