What is the purpose of coagulation in water treatment?

Coagulation is a crucial step in water treatment aimed at improving water quality. The primary purpose of coagulation is to aggregate suspended particles present in the water into larger clumps, known as flocs. This process involves the addition of chemical coagulants, such as alum, which destabilize the charged particles in the water. As these small particles come together, they form larger aggregates that can be more easily removed by subsequent processes, including sedimentation and filtration.

This method is particularly important because it effectively reduces turbidity and helps in removing contaminants such as dirt, silt, and organic matter, which might otherwise remain suspended in the water. By enhancing the water's clarity and quality through this aggregation, coagulation lays the foundation for subsequent treatment steps, ensuring that the water meets safety and cleanliness standards for consumption.

Regarding the other choices, while enhancing flavor, filtering out bacteria, and elevating temperature are all part of water treatment processes, they do not directly pertain to the coagulation process. Coagulation specifically focuses on the aggregation of particles rather than these aspects.