What is a common method to control turbidity in water systems?

What is a common method to control turbidity in water systems?

• A. Using ion exchange
• B. Implementing coagulation
• C. Applying UV treatment
• D. Adding polymers

Answer: (B)

Coagulation is a common method used to control turbidity in water systems because it involves the addition of chemicals, known as coagulants, which help to aggregate and remove suspended particles and colloids in the water. When coagulants are added, small particles clump together to form larger aggregates called flocs. These flocs are then easier to remove through sedimentation or filtration processes, effectively lowering the water's turbidity. This process is crucial in water treatment, particularly in preparing water for further treatment stages or direct consumption. Coagulation is typically followed by additional processes like flocculation and sedimentation, which enhance the removal of the now larger particles, resulting in clearer water. While other methods listed, such as ion exchange, UV treatment, and the addition of polymers, play significant roles in water treatment, they do not specifically target the removal of turbidity in the same direct manner as coagulation does. Ion exchange focuses on the removal of specific ions, UV treatment is primarily a disinfection method, and polymers can be used as aids in the coagulation process but do not independently achieve turbidity control as effectively as coagulation alone.

Coagulation is a common method used to control turbidity in water systems because it involves the addition of chemicals, known as coagulants, which help to aggregate and remove suspended particles and colloids in the water. When coagulants are added, small particles clump together to form larger aggregates called flocs. These flocs are then easier to remove through sedimentation or filtration processes, effectively lowering the water's turbidity.

This process is crucial in water treatment, particularly in preparing water for further treatment stages or direct consumption. Coagulation is typically followed by additional processes like flocculation and sedimentation, which enhance the removal of the now larger particles, resulting in clearer water.

While other methods listed, such as ion exchange, UV treatment, and the addition of polymers, play significant roles in water treatment, they do not specifically target the removal of turbidity in the same direct manner as coagulation does. Ion exchange focuses on the removal of specific ions, UV treatment is primarily a disinfection method, and polymers can be used as aids in the coagulation process but do not independently achieve turbidity control as effectively as coagulation alone.