What is the primary purpose of coagulation and flocculation in water treatment?

The primary purpose of coagulation and flocculation in water treatment is to remove particulate impurities, specifically turbidity. This process involves adding chemicals, known as coagulants, to the water, which help to neutralize the charges on suspended particles. Once the particles are neutralized, they can come together and form larger aggregates, or flocs, during the flocculation phase.

As these flocs grow larger, they become heavy enough to settle out of the water during subsequent sedimentation processes or can be easily removed through filtration. This is critical for producing clean drinking water, as high levels of turbidity can harbor pathogens and other contaminants, making the water unsafe for consumption.

While other benefits may be indirectly associated with coagulation and flocculation, such as slight impacts on nutrient levels, temperature, or taste, these are not the primary goals of the process. The main focus remains on the effective removal of suspended solids to ensure water quality and safety.