What are the stages of large-scale water treatment?

The stages of large-scale water treatment are crucial in ensuring that water is clean, safe, and suitable for consumption. The correct answer highlights the standard process used in water treatment facilities.

Coagulation is the first step, where chemicals are added to the water to help small particles clump together into larger aggregates called flocs. This is critical because it enhances the removal of suspended solids during the subsequent steps.

Following coagulation, sedimentation occurs. In this phase, the water is allowed to sit so that the heavier flocs can settle at the bottom of the tank. This process helps to significantly reduce the number of contaminants in the water before it moves on to the next stage.

Filtration comes next, where the water is passed through various filters to remove any remaining small particles and impurities. This stage further purifies the water by trapping any residual flocs and other contaminants.

Finally, disinfection is performed to kill any harmful microorganisms that may remain in the water. This is typically done using chlorine, ozone, or ultraviolet light to ensure that the water is safe for public consumption.

These four stages—coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection—are fundamental to large-scale water treatment practices designed to produce clean and safe drinking water