As solids settle to the bottom of a sedimentation basin, what layer develops?

As solids settle to the bottom of a sedimentation basin, what layer develops?

• A. Floc
• B. Sludge
• C. Debris
• D. Effluent

Answer: (B)

The correct answer is that as solids settle to the bottom of a sedimentation basin, a layer of sludge develops. In the process of sedimentation, denser particles and impurities within the water gravitate downward due to gravity, forming a concentrated layer at the bottom of the basin. This layer, known as sludge, is composed of solid particles that have settled out of the water, including organic matter, silt, and other non-dissolved materials. Sludge is significant in water treatment as it needs to be monitored and managed properly to ensure effective treatment processes. It can be found at the very bottom of the sedimentation basin, while the clearer water remains above it, which is then called effluent. The distinction plays a crucial role in the subsequent steps of water treatment, as the treatment system relies on effectively separating and removing the sludge to achieve clearer and cleaner water. In contrast, the term floc refers to clumps of particles that have been agglomerated through a coagulation process, while debris typically refers to any unwanted material or litter that may not settle out effectively. Effluent, on the other hand, is the treated water that exits the sedimentation basin, which ideally should be free from particulates that would have settled as sludge

The correct answer is that as solids settle to the bottom of a sedimentation basin, a layer of sludge develops. In the process of sedimentation, denser particles and impurities within the water gravitate downward due to gravity, forming a concentrated layer at the bottom of the basin. This layer, known as sludge, is composed of solid particles that have settled out of the water, including organic matter, silt, and other non-dissolved materials.

Sludge is significant in water treatment as it needs to be monitored and managed properly to ensure effective treatment processes. It can be found at the very bottom of the sedimentation basin, while the clearer water remains above it, which is then called effluent. The distinction plays a crucial role in the subsequent steps of water treatment, as the treatment system relies on effectively separating and removing the sludge to achieve clearer and cleaner water.

In contrast, the term floc refers to clumps of particles that have been agglomerated through a coagulation process, while debris typically refers to any unwanted material or litter that may not settle out effectively. Effluent, on the other hand, is the treated water that exits the sedimentation basin, which ideally should be free from particulates that would have settled as sludge