What is the term used for the removal of settleable solids by gravity?

What is the term used for the removal of settleable solids by gravity?

• A. Filtration
• B. Coagulation
• C. Sedimentation
• D. Flocculation

Answer: (C)

The removal of settleable solids by gravity is referred to as sedimentation. This process involves allowing heavier particles in a liquid to settle at the bottom of a container due to the pull of gravity. As the settleable solids sink, clearer liquid rises to the top, which can then be removed or treated further. Sedimentation is an essential step in many water treatment processes as it effectively reduces the concentration of suspended solids, allowing for improved water clarity and quality before additional treatment methods, such as filtration, are applied. It is a straightforward but critical method of achieving solids separation from a liquid. Filtration, while also a method for solid removal, uses a physical barrier to capture particles, rather than relying solely on gravity. Coagulation involves the addition of chemicals to aggregate fine particles into larger clumps (flocs) for easier removal, but it does not itself involve the settling process. Flocculation follows coagulation and is the gentle mixing that promotes the growth of flocs, but it does not describe the process of solids settling by gravity. Hence, the term that best fits the removal of settleable solids by gravity is sedimentation.

The removal of settleable solids by gravity is referred to as sedimentation. This process involves allowing heavier particles in a liquid to settle at the bottom of a container due to the pull of gravity. As the settleable solids sink, clearer liquid rises to the top, which can then be removed or treated further.

Sedimentation is an essential step in many water treatment processes as it effectively reduces the concentration of suspended solids, allowing for improved water clarity and quality before additional treatment methods, such as filtration, are applied. It is a straightforward but critical method of achieving solids separation from a liquid.

Filtration, while also a method for solid removal, uses a physical barrier to capture particles, rather than relying solely on gravity. Coagulation involves the addition of chemicals to aggregate fine particles into larger clumps (flocs) for easier removal, but it does not itself involve the settling process. Flocculation follows coagulation and is the gentle mixing that promotes the growth of flocs, but it does not describe the process of solids settling by gravity. Hence, the term that best fits the removal of settleable solids by gravity is sedimentation.