What is the primary purpose of a sedimentation basin?

What is the primary purpose of a sedimentation basin?

• A. To add chemicals for treatment
• B. To store wastewater
• C. To remove settleable solids from water
• D. To aerate the water

Answer: (C)

The primary purpose of a sedimentation basin is to remove settleable solids from water. In the sedimentation process, water flows into the basin, where gravity allows larger particles and solids to settle at the bottom over time. This is a crucial step in water treatment because it helps to clarify the water by reducing turbidity and removing contaminants that could interfere with subsequent treatment processes. Sedimentation is typically one of the first stages in water treatment, as removing these solids prepares the water for further treatment steps, such as filtration and disinfection. By effectively eliminating settleable materials, the sedimentation basin enhances the efficacy of the entire treatment system, leading to improved water quality. In contrast, adding chemicals for treatment and aerating the water are functions associated with other treatment processes, while storing wastewater is not the primary purpose of a sedimentation basin but may occur in different stages of water treatment management.

The primary purpose of a sedimentation basin is to remove settleable solids from water. In the sedimentation process, water flows into the basin, where gravity allows larger particles and solids to settle at the bottom over time. This is a crucial step in water treatment because it helps to clarify the water by reducing turbidity and removing contaminants that could interfere with subsequent treatment processes.

Sedimentation is typically one of the first stages in water treatment, as removing these solids prepares the water for further treatment steps, such as filtration and disinfection. By effectively eliminating settleable materials, the sedimentation basin enhances the efficacy of the entire treatment system, leading to improved water quality.

In contrast, adding chemicals for treatment and aerating the water are functions associated with other treatment processes, while storing wastewater is not the primary purpose of a sedimentation basin but may occur in different stages of water treatment management.