What is the process of sedimentation?

Sedimentation is the process where particles suspended in water settle out of the fluid due to gravity. This occurs when the velocity of the water decreases, allowing heavier particles to fall to the bottom. It is a crucial step in water treatment, as it helps in removing solids and impurities from water before further purification processes, such as filtration and disinfection.

In the context of water treatment, allowing particles to settle improves water quality by reducing the total suspended solids (TSS), which can affect the effectiveness of subsequent purification methods. Thus, sedimentation is effectively utilized in various applications, including drinking water treatment, wastewater treatment, and natural water bodies.

While filtering out particles, adding chemicals, and heating water may play roles in water treatment, these processes serve different purposes and do not specifically describe the primary phenomenon of sedimentation.